Students take part in driving safety simulator—learn the dangers of impaired and distracted driving
By Addi Wheeler – Staff Writer
Not everyone realizes the dangers of driving distracted or under the influence of an addictive substance, such as alcohol or drugs. Recognizing the need for this type of awareness, Elizabeth Bailey, criminal justice faculty member, and her department were instrumental in bringing the Arrive Alive simulator to the NTCC campus earlier this month.
A student takes part in the Arrive Alive simulator recently held on campus. The
program is designed to help students learn more about impaired driving.
Arrive Alive is a drunk, drugged and distracted driving simulator that raises awareness by allowing people to experience what it would be like to drive under the influence of a substance or distracted by something like a cell phone. “Drivers are given the chance to see the potential dangers and how that can affect their ability to drive without actually putting themselves or anybody else in real danger,” said Jaylen Berce, who has worked with the Arrive Alive simulator for two years. During the one-day event, students had the opportunity to enter a vehicle simulator where conditions are designed to mimic those of someone driving distracted or intoxicated. While completely safe, the simulator allows participants to see the dangers of driving in an unsafe environment. “As a general rule, what I would tell you is any opportunity to see how bad driving under the influence is without any risk, it’s worth it,” said NTCC Police Chief Russell Radke. “This demonstrates just how inadequate we are behind the wheel when we’re under the influence.” After completing the Arrive Alive simulation, students received “mock citations” if they were detected having an accident or practicing poor or reckless driving skills. By allowing students to gain first-hand knowledge of the dangers that intoxicated or distracted driving can present, the hope is that the Arrive Alive simulator helped raise awareness among students.