Driving simulator shows dangers of texting

By Bradley Maxwell, The Gazette

 CEDAR RAPIDS - Students at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School put their ability to text while driving to the test - virtually, that is.

AT&T brought its virtual reality driving simulator to campus Friday as part of the company's national campaign, titled, "Texting & Driving ... It Can Wait."

The effort aims to reduce the number of teenagers who text and drive by providing a realistic simulation of distracted driving. The cellphone provider says texting is the most popular form of communication for teens, as most average 60 tests a day.

Courtney Willis, a senior at Jefferson High School, said she struggled to drive safely in the simulator.

"I did not do very well," Willis said, "I hit somebody. I was texting and driving and crossed over the line just a little bit,"

Many students faced similar difficulties trying to focus on both their phones and the road. They said it was a situation that is all too real.

"I have friends who text while driving, and they've gotten tickets and accidents for it," said junior Taylor Blake.

The National Safety Council says texting-and-driving-related crashes hurt or kill 100,000 people every year.

Driving instructors say the problem shows no signs of slowing down in today's tech-driven society. The AT&T campaign aims to eliminate these issues, asking students to pledge never to text and drive. But instructors say tackling this issue may require a more realistic approach.

"I think it's becoming more and more of a problem," driving instructor Chris Rowles said. "And a big reason I think is because of the prevalence of cellphones and smartphones and things of that nature."

In addition to the simulator, AT&T has created a resource center for parents at teachers at www.itcanwait.com, as well as designing a free mobile app called "AT&T DriveMode" to help curb texting behind the wheel.

-- Comments: bradley.maxwell@kcrg.com