Students Drivers to Use New Drunk Driving Simulator

New drunk driving simulator allows students to practice driving drunk

SALEM, UT – New drivers at Salem Hills High School will be participating in a program that will let the experience just how dangerous driving under the influence can be.

"The new simulator will let students feel what it's like to be drunk behind the wheel." Says Eric MacDonald, driver education coordinator for Salem Hills High. "This simulation takes it to the next level," continues MacDonald, "This is not your average simulator. In the past simulators have been more like playing a video game, and was not very effective. This new program allows students to actually be behind the wheel of a car that is programmed to act as though it is being driven by a drunk driver."

Instructor preps student to drive the new simulator

According to MacDonald the car used in the simulation takes advantage of Mercedes Benz new technology that is normally used to help protect drivers in case of distraction or drowsiness by sensing if a car in front of them makes a sudden stop, allowing them to stop in time. It also helps alert the driver and make a correction if they begin falling asleep and drifting out of their lane.

"We had the software changed to cause the car to be almost impossible to control." Explained MacDonald. "It will swerve, drive fast, do random brake checks, as well as slow reaction and stopping time."

While there is some concern as to the cost involved in purchasing these new simulator cars, spokesperson for Nebo School District Rachel D. Covert told us she feels it will pay off in the long run.

"It's only a matter of time before our students begin driving drunk." Covert admitted, "but with this new program they will know how to handle it when the time comes."

When asked about student safety, as well as for the teacher and other drivers on the road, Covert said "we have no comment on that issue at the time."

Report by Mark Dimond, NewsMob