LITTLEFORK — The eyes of students at Littlefork-Big Falls High School grew wider as they watched two videos Monday.
The first was of a young girl who ended up in the emergency room as a result of a drunk driving accident. The second showed how 19-year-old Reggie Shaw found himself in prison after killing two motorists in a car accident. Shaw caused the accident by sending a text message.
Storn Olson, a driving awareness instructor with Unite International based out of Grand Rapids, Mich., said if the “gory videos” don’t send a wake up call to students, his sensor simulator vehicle will.
Students in grades 6-12 were seated in an actual car, and put on head gear to simulate either texting or drinking while driving. The car’s battery was disconnected and sensors hooked up to computers were installed to give the situation a life-like visual.
“We have found that having students get a feel for the experience far outweighs a speech,” Olson explained. “The videos are pretty impactful as well.”
Olson, who travels the country educating students on the dangers surrounding drinking and texting while driving said studies have shown the two are equally dangerous.
“Teens are severely injuring themselves and others by sending a text while driving or consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel,” he said. “No text message or drink in the world is worth getting into an accident — or worse.”
With celebration weekends of prom and graduation right around the corner, L-BF school officials thought it would benefit students to experience Olson’s program.
“We want to give our students more exposure to these types of situations,” said Cynthia Hasbargen, a fourth grade teacher who was involved in bringing the program to the school.
According to the Minnesotans for Safe Driving website, in 2008, Minnesota passed a law making it illegal for drivers to read or compose texts/emails, and access the web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at any time.
Olson urged students to not worry about their phone while behind the wheel.
“Even if you don’t cause an accident, a texting ticket is $300,” Olson warned.
MSD reported that when texting, drivers take their eyes off the road for up to 4.6 out of every 6 seconds — equivalent to traveling the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour without looking up. Driver distraction is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 20 percent of all crashes annually, resulting in 70 deaths and 350 injuries.
For L-BF students, the simulator shined light on the harsh reality that something so simple could end up in disaster.
Tyler Vork said Olson’s program will make him think twice before letting things distract him when behind the wheel.
“That (operating the simulator) was difficult,” Paige DeLack said as she exited the sensor vehicle. “It was way harder than you think.”
Olson said the students’ reactions were what he hoped for.
“Awareness of these realities is crucial to preventing disasters,” he said. “Everyone needs to work together to make positive choices.”
