Many roads are covered in ice and slush, so one Northern Michigan
school is trying to teach young drivers the importance of focusing on
the roads and not their phones.
Roscommon High School held a special driver safety program today using texting and driving simulations.
Nine and Ten's Cody Boyer checked it out to see how students are learning about the dangers of texting and driving using technology.
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Each year, more than 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving crashes across nation, many of them on snowy, icy roads.
Roscommon Schools want to help decrease that number.
"It is a concern," said Ron Alden, Roscommon High School principal. "Every year, you get a little better at it but it's always an adjustment."
With around 3,000 deaths in the United States each year due to distracted driving, Roscommon High School's principal says there's reason for concern.
Students used state-of-the-art technology to learn firsthand what dangers can come with texting and driving.
"Driving in the winter in Northern Michigan is a lot different than driving in the summer months and when you throw the cell phone factor in there, it definitely makes that task a little more challenging," Alden said.
The program is simple. Once you sit down and start driving, it takes about 30 seconds and then they send you a text using a phone that's attached to the system. That way, it simulates a text conversation while you are on the road.
"The program really focuses on putting a spotlight on what's really just a choice for them in the car," said Clay Martin, a tour manager for Kramer Entertainment, which puts on the "Save-a-Life" program.
With snow and ice covering many roads, it's important to remember that focus needs to be kept on the road... Not on your cell phone.
"Your duty to drive is more important than anyone that can ever ride with you because that's how you take care of them," Alden said. "Ignore them, focus on what you are doing, especially when conditions worsen because that's when you need your attention the most."
The school is also holding a night program for students and their parents to come back and try out the simulation.
Roscommon High School held a special driver safety program today using texting and driving simulations.
Nine and Ten's Cody Boyer checked it out to see how students are learning about the dangers of texting and driving using technology.
------------------------------------------
Each year, more than 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving crashes across nation, many of them on snowy, icy roads.
Roscommon Schools want to help decrease that number.
"It is a concern," said Ron Alden, Roscommon High School principal. "Every year, you get a little better at it but it's always an adjustment."
With around 3,000 deaths in the United States each year due to distracted driving, Roscommon High School's principal says there's reason for concern.
Students used state-of-the-art technology to learn firsthand what dangers can come with texting and driving.
"Driving in the winter in Northern Michigan is a lot different than driving in the summer months and when you throw the cell phone factor in there, it definitely makes that task a little more challenging," Alden said.
The program is simple. Once you sit down and start driving, it takes about 30 seconds and then they send you a text using a phone that's attached to the system. That way, it simulates a text conversation while you are on the road.
"The program really focuses on putting a spotlight on what's really just a choice for them in the car," said Clay Martin, a tour manager for Kramer Entertainment, which puts on the "Save-a-Life" program.
With snow and ice covering many roads, it's important to remember that focus needs to be kept on the road... Not on your cell phone.
"Your duty to drive is more important than anyone that can ever ride with you because that's how you take care of them," Alden said. "Ignore them, focus on what you are doing, especially when conditions worsen because that's when you need your attention the most."
The school is also holding a night program for students and their parents to come back and try out the simulation.
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