Freeport High School seniors were paired with a driving simulator designed to demonstrate the dangers of being impaired while behind the wheel as a way to encourage safer driver habits and dissuade distracted driving.
Before visiting the simulator mounted in a Jeep in the school's auto repair shop, students were required to watch a video of real people describing their horrific experiences with drunk and distracted driving.
To reinforce the gravity of the message, students had to participate in all of the program steps or risk forfeiting privileges. "In order to attend the prom, all seniors were mandated to participate in the assembly program and sign a pledge," said Freeport High School Principal Linda Carter.
Once inside the simulation vehicle, students put on virtual reality goggles that gave them a view of a video game-like roadway complete with other cars and pedestrians mixed into a typical street scene. They were asked to either drive with distorted vision as though they were intoxicated or drive while being prompted to reply to text messages. Many could not exceed 30 mph without leaving the road and crashing. For added realism, students were then issued traffic summons detailing their violations and penalties. An external video monitor allowed those who were waiting their turn the chance to observe the mistakes the drivers were making.
The two-day visit by the Arrive Alive program was coordinated through school social worker Yasmin Chambers.
