Arrive Alive Teaches The Dangers of Distracted Driving

UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour recently made a stop at Calhoun High School to educate students on the dangers of texting while driving and driving while intoxicated. 

The education program, which was brought to the district by the Community Parent Center of Bellmore-Merrick, utilizes a high-tech simulator, impact video and several other resources to demonstrate to students the dangers of destructive decisions.

The simulator allows students to fully experience the possible consequences of drunk and distracted driving in a controlled environment, according to UNITE.

Students also participated in several other stations that demonstrated how being impaired affects your motor skills. While wearing “booze goggles,” students in health classes attempted to stack plastic cups and complete puzzles.  

They also had the opportunity to drive pedal cars down a hallway while wearing the goggles and texting to show them how both affect their ability to drive safely and they viewed movies about car accidents. 

“To me, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury and death in this age group,” Wendy Tepfer, director of the Community Parent Center of Bellmore-Merrick said. “It’s imperative to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving and make students aware of what is going on. If we save one life today as a result of these activities, then we have done our job.”