Drunken, distracted driving simulator to visit Joliet Junior College

JOLIET – A traveling high-tech simulator that mimics driving under the influence and distracted driving will visit Joliet Junior College next week.

UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving and intoxicated driving, according to a news release from the health and wellness organization.

The simulator, which will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road, A-Patio, allows participants to experience the potential consequences of distracted and impaired driving in a controlled environment.

About one-third of all traffic deaths involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunken driving crash. On average, two of every three people will be involved in a drunken driving crash in their lifetime, the release stated.

In 2014, the highest percentage of drunken drivers involved in fatal crashes were ages 21 to 24. Every day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times. However, only about 3,200 of those people are arrested, according to the release.

One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cellphone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cellphone, according to the trade association CTIA.

Drivers younger than age 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgment if they become distracted.

People in this age group text more than any other age group, and the number of young drivers who text is increasing, the release stated.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high schools, colleges and communities across the nation. Its programs are designed to heighten awareness of the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

These events have an effect on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily. Call Todd Betzold at 888-436-3394, ext. 6388, or visit arrivealivetour.com/unite for information.