100311 ODOT simulator demonstrates dangers of distracted driving
By Sharon Haught
September 26, 2011
274
Summary: An innovative piece of technology gives drivers a taste for just how difficult and dangerous it is to drive while distracted.
Everyone has done it at one time or another even though they know they shouldnt.
Driving while distracted.
Whether its grabbing for a cup of coffee, changing a CD or glancing in the back seat to check on a fussy child everyone has taken their eyes off the road for a moment.
For some the consequences have been life changing.
According to statistics from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 2010 alone Ohio law enforcement agencies reported 39 fatalities, 454 serious injuries and 12,410 crashes that were attributed specifically to distracted driving.
As part of their Every Move You Make, Keep It Safe comprehensive roadway safety campaign, ODOT officials are using a unique piece of technology to show drivers firsthand how dangerous it can be to drive while distracted.
Through sponsorship by Nationwide Insurance, ODOT is taking its new distracted driver simulator out in to communities across the state so drivers can test their ability to drive while distracted or impaired.
During the Wayne County Fair, local drivers were invited to take a seat within a simulated car complete with a steering column and gas and brake pedals in front of a three panel display that allowed the driver to see the entire area around the car.
After some quick instructions from ODOT District 3 District Traffic Engineer Julie Cichello the distracted driver simulator experience then challenged the participant to navigate city streets and highways while talking on the phone, sending a text message and listening to passenger conversations.
One by one drivers navigated their way through real world situations including deer suddenly running in front of the car, a dog barking loudly and a childs ball bouncing across the road. It didnt take long for most of them long to find themselves either being pulled over by a police officer for violating a traffic law or in the midst of a simulated accident with another car.
According to Cichello, the entire experience is intended to show drivers how dangerous it is to do these kinds of activities while behind the wheel.
Take your eyes off the road for just a second and there could be deadly consequences, Cichello added.
Every time you take your eyes off the road – even for just a few seconds – you put your life in danger and you put others in danger too, said ODOT District 3 Deputy Director Allen Biehl.
Distracted driving is dangerous and has serious – even fatal – consequences, said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
In particular, cell phone use while driving is very risky and our new simulator tour will show Ohioans the real dangers and consequences of distracted driving, Wray added.
While using a cell phone while driving is dangerous, ODOT officials are reminding drivers that anything that requires them to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel or their minds off what theyre doing is dangerous as well.
Activities such as eating or drinking, focusing on passengers, listening to loud music, reading a map, personal grooming, using a GPS navigation system and changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player are all distractions drivers should avoid.
According to ODOTs web site the Every Move You Make, Keep it Safe campaign is linked to the states overall goal of reducing roadway fatalities five percent by 2015. With nearly 300,000 crashes across Ohio in 2010 and more than 1,000 deaths, ODOT could help save 150 lives on Ohios roadways by meeting that goal.
For more safe driving tips log on to the Ohio Department of Transportations Every Move You Make, Keep it Safe web page at www.everymove.ohio.gov.
