by Mary Rupert
A few students were surprised today after they tried out a virtual reality simulator to give them an idea of the hazards of driving while distracted.
“It was very scary, and it was frustrating to see someone on the phone like that, especially when there are so many children on the street,” said Gary Enrique Bradley-Lopez after his virtual reality simulator experience. He is a student leader at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
The simulator showed students how easy it is to crash when they take their eyes off the road to text, talk or take pictures for only a few seconds. Giving them a glimpse of the Causes of Car Accidents in Vancouver and around the world.
The simulator, sponsored by AT&T’s “It Can Wait” program, visited Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave., today.
Several KCKCC student government leaders participated in the simulator program, along with other students and the public. After their simulator experience, they were asked to take a pledge not to drive distracted and asked to warn others about its dangers.
Jaricka Morgan, a KCKCC-TEC and Schlagle High School student, tried the simulator and was surprised at how the driver kept texting and driving, after hitting multiple people in the simulation.
Dajana Carter, a KCKCC-TEC and Washington High School student, after trying the simulator said she thought it was “cool and scary.” It was very effective and “makes you think,” she added.
“It opened my eyes,” said Marivel Gomez, a KCKCC student.
“I thought it was very realistic, and more people should take part in it to see how dangerous it really is,” said Alejandra Jimenez, a KCKCC student.
Sandra McGill, financial aid coordinator for KCKCC-TEC, gave it a try, also. “I got a little dizzy, but it was very realistic,” she said. “It does make you think.”
Christopher C. Johnson, AT&T tour spokesperson for the “It Can Wait” campaign, said this simulator tours the country, with the goal of saving lives and showing drivers what it’s like to be distracted and drive.
“No text or selfie is ever worth a life,” he said.
Those attending the simulator test received a portable cardboard simulator they can use at home with their smart phones to get a similar simulator experience. Johnson said much of the same information from today’s simulator test is available on the website, www.ItCanWait.com/VR.
At the same time as the AT&T simulator is touring Kansas, the Kansas Legislature is considering two bills concerning distracted driving, Senate Bill 99 and Senate Bill 144.
Currently, it is illegal in Kansas to text and drive. Senate Bill 99 (www.kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/sb99/) would also make it illegal to drive while holding a wireless communication device to the driver’s ear. A hands-free earphone would be allowed.
Senate Bill 144 (www.kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/sb144/) would make it illegal for drivers to use a wireless communication device while driving in a school zone or road construction zone. It would add a fine of $60 for violations.
