Students learn dangers of distracted driving

WATKINS GLEN--Students at Watkins Glen high school were given the opportunity Monday, May 3 to experience virtually the danger of distracted driving and driving under the influence. Save A Life Tour, a program used by the Department of Defense and state agencies around the country, set up multiple virtual reality stations in the high school auditorium to allow students to feel and understand this danger in a safe environment.
"Our goal is to instill good driving practices and habits within our community," said Margaret Swinnerton, Watkins Glen High School Health Educator for grades 7-12.
While it was clear throughout the day that many students were doing their best to try to enjoy the virtual reality lessons, that joviality quickly turned to frustration as they realized how difficult it can be to operate a vehicle when you are not giving your full attention.
All students from grades 10 to 12 were able to participate in the virtual sessions, which mostly resembled some of the larger and more involved video game rigs made famous by professional players on platforms like Twitch. Before plugging in though, students had to watch a video that introduced the program and explained why it is important that young drivers listen to the message.
Douglas DiGregorio, a junior, said that while everyone knows the dangers of texting and driving the virtual simulations allow for a greater understanding.
"We all know texting and driving is bad... I think watching the video and also experiencing this in a safe manner helps," said Digregorio.
The Save A Life Tour travels the country using a program designed to inform, educate, and demonstrates the deadly consequences that can stem from poor choices behind the wheel.
The program emphasizes the problems with distracted and impaired driving, and teaches driver experience, driver behavior and seat belt usage.
"The Save A Tour is here at WGHS to help encourage all drivers to make safe decisions out on the roads," said Swinnerton. "We are constantly surrounded by distractions and substances that can put us at great risk on the road."
Clay Martin, tour manager for the national Save A Life tour said it's important to remind people of what is important when you get behind the wheel.
"We want to remind people what is important when you get behind the wheel, taking care of themselves and other people and not choosing to do things that don't make much sense," said Martin. "We hope it starts a conversation that keeps going outside of this room so they can make better choices when they get out in the real world."