The state of Ohio has developed a creative way to warn young motorists of the dangers of distracted driving.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has been visiting high schools in the state demonstrating a new driving simulation program that reproduces the difficult and dangerous conditions of operating a motor vehicle while texting or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Students sit in front of a video screen attached to a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal. The screen reproduces a driver’s point of view, including the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and even animals, while the voice of a passenger gives the student driving instructions.
The simulator recreates the consequences of several driving distractions including text messaging, imbibing food and liquid, consulting a GPS navigation system or road map, adjusting the stereo, and personal grooming. A second program recreates the conditions of driving while intoxicated on a late night road and features a police officer administering a field sobriety test, and a judge explaining the consequences of a court conviction. In the event of an accident, the program simulates a trip to the emergency room.
As a licensed Long Beach car accident lawyer, I’m all too aware of the dangers and problems caused by drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in accident with a distracted driver, please consider hiring a Fresno car accident attorney.