2014, there were nearly 8,000 drunk driving accidents in the Commonwealth, killing more than 250 people. Now, teachers are hoping to change those statistics.
(Source: James Palinsad / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Today, students just had a golf cart and drunk goggles in a parking lot, but Harrisonburg High School students got hands-on experience seeing what could happen if they choose to drink and drive.
Students were tested not only with impaired but also distracted driving, like turning the radio up and reaching for things around the car.
According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, in 2014, 99 alcohol-related crashes in Rockingham County claimed nine lives. In Harrisonburg, there were more than 40 alcohol related crashes- none fatal.
Today's lesson was an effort to change those statistics by applying what they learn in the classroom to real-life simulations.
"And it gives them a better idea of 'Hey, I really shouldn't be driving, if this is what it looks like when i just have the goggles on, if it's scary out here right now, then i don't want to be behind the wheel of a car drinking,'" said Drivers Ed. and P.E. teacher Jennifer Thompson.
Students also found the lesson effective.
"It's different sitting in a classroom because there I'm just hearing and speaking and taking notes, and when I'm sitting down in a classroom I just don't expect what I'm actually going to be doing out here in real life," added sophomore Marina Fermin.
Students at other schools across the valley will also get a chance to have some hands-on driving simulations throughout the week as part of distracted driving awareness month.
(Source: James Palinsad / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Today, students just had a golf cart and drunk goggles in a parking lot, but Harrisonburg High School students got hands-on experience seeing what could happen if they choose to drink and drive.
Students were tested not only with impaired but also distracted driving, like turning the radio up and reaching for things around the car.
According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, in 2014, 99 alcohol-related crashes in Rockingham County claimed nine lives. In Harrisonburg, there were more than 40 alcohol related crashes- none fatal.
Today's lesson was an effort to change those statistics by applying what they learn in the classroom to real-life simulations.
"And it gives them a better idea of 'Hey, I really shouldn't be driving, if this is what it looks like when i just have the goggles on, if it's scary out here right now, then i don't want to be behind the wheel of a car drinking,'" said Drivers Ed. and P.E. teacher Jennifer Thompson.
Students also found the lesson effective.
"It's different sitting in a classroom because there I'm just hearing and speaking and taking notes, and when I'm sitting down in a classroom I just don't expect what I'm actually going to be doing out here in real life," added sophomore Marina Fermin.
Students at other schools across the valley will also get a chance to have some hands-on driving simulations throughout the week as part of distracted driving awareness month.
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