A driving simulator came to NIC to help the students understand the dangers of irresponsible driving.
The simulator, Arrive Alive, came to NIC Sept. 18 and showed students how decisions made on the road could have very real consequences.
The program used a high-tech simulator that let you see the road and drive the car as if you where in a real vehicle.
The students were allowed to see what texting, drinking, and distracted driving was like without actually being in a dangerous situation.
Next to the car was a television that showed a passenger eye view. That allowed everyone standing around the car to see what the driver sees from the passenger’s point of view.
Driving Awareness Instructor Ston Olsen said the simulator was made out of a real car that had the battery disconnected. From there, sensors were hooked to the steering wheel, gas and brake pedals.
“In order to see what they are doing, they wear a 3D high-definition virtual reality headset,” Olson said. “It’s almost like having an IMAX movie theater strapped right to your face.”
Several students stated that the ride itself was very scary and realistic, but the experience itself was very good.
“It was crazy,” said student Jason Ball.
“It definitely makes you a little more aware of what’s going on when you’re texting or under the influence. “It just makes a lot more sense, I understand it better,” another student, Elizabeth Cuff said.
After the ride the students where given a mock ticket for whichever simulation they chose, and Olsen explained exactly why and how much it would cost that student if the simulation had been a real life situation.
Olson said it could cost a person $12,000 to $17,000 in a worst -case scenario involving the courts.
”A lot of people don’t understand how incredibly expensive it is,” Olsen said.
Many of the students that tried the simulator seemed to agree, and said they were glad the simulator came to campus.
“It was a good experience. I definitely support it,” student Joel Akins said.
