Almost daily, headlines tell the story of lives lost because youthful drivers were texting behind the wheel. Yet many continue the dangerous practice.
In an effort to educate young drivers about how texting while driving diminishes their skills, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Health and Wellness Center has teamed up with PEER Awareness to provide, in a controlled environment, an experience of what can go wrong.
On Monday, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., University students will be introduced to the AWARE-TXT Simulator. This technology allows students to sit in a real car that is controlled and monitored with sensors to simulate real driving. Computer software renders a virtual field of vision, which is visible on a heads-up display worn by the “driver.” This software also renders various road conditions, like rain and snow.
The students will sit in the car and use the simulator to text while “driving.” The computer will show students how texting at the wheel affects their driving, allowing students to fully appreciate the dangers without risking their safety.
“We’re glad that we can offer this tool to make more young adults aware of this dangerous practice,” said Faye Bible, director of PBA’s Health and Wellness Center. “Texting can be more dangerous than alcohol to drivers, and government officials are starting to take notice. In many states cell phone use while driving, including texting, is illegal.”