Simulator Teaches Teens Not To Text And Drive
BOSTON (CBS) -- The goal of Distractology--a driving simulator and education program run by Arbella Insurance--is to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving.
Teens have the highest crash rate of any group of drivers in the country. Through the program, 11,000 kids at dozens of southern New England high schools have been made more aware of what they're doing behind the wheel.
"The first goal is to save lives," said Arbella Insurance chairman John Donahue. "Too many of our young people are dying on the roads because of being distracted driving. So we're trying to change behavior, make them realize how dangerous it is not to pay attention when you're driving."
While trying his hand at the simulator, which was parked behind Boston College High School Wednesday morning, even Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard McKeon crashed a few times.
"Adults and younger drivers feel compelled to answer emails or texts, because they feel they have to respond," said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard McKeon. "But that can wait. It's more important for it to wait, and to be safe on the road."
This is the sixth year Arbella has been running their Distractology program, and Donahue says it has paid off.
"They are shocked that they can't control themselves and can't control the car," said Donahue. "They see that, all of a sudden, life becomes very dangerous and very scary."
Students who take part in the simulation are 19 percent less likely to have an accident.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports
