Vanier Students Learn About The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
They saw dummies tossed around in a simulator to understand the effects of not wearing a seatbelt. They wore goggles while playing Mario Kart to learn about the effects of impairment on driving. They heard about the effects of making good or bad decisions when they got behind the wheel of a vehicle.
They learnt that their split second decisions could impact the rest of theirs and other people’s lives.
“It’s all about creating an awareness of making good decisions around distracted driving,” said Sharol Murdock from Vanier Collegiate. The event was put on by Vanier’s SADD (Students Against Distracted Driving), the driver instructor, SGI and Vanier Collegiate.
“It’s about being aware and doing the simple things that could really make a difference,” Murdock said.
BEER GOGGLES - Vanier students wear vision goggles which simulate the effect of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol - MJ Independent photo
Asked about holding the noon hour informational session she said it was a great opportunity to show the students what could happen to them.
She said distracted driving runs a whole gambit of driving habits - all which are 100 percent avoidable.
Driving habits which not only include impaired driving but also such things as texting, tuning the radio, eating or drinking while driving or other passengers.
“There are many things that cause distracted driving…by learning good habits now this can have a huge impact not only now but throughout life.”
Murdock said the use of simulators had a better effect than simply telling students what could happen as a result of bad driving choices.
“It works better. Instead of just telling them about it when they can see it and experience it that impacts you more.”
TOSSING A HUMAN SALAD - Wendy Smith, the driver instructor for Vanier Collegiate, operates SGI’s seat belt simulator showing what happens to someone when they don’t properly wear a seatbelt - MJ Independent photo
She said accidents, injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving is 100 percent preventable.
“It’s a choice. They are 100 percent preventable. It’s a decision…by making the right decision it is 100 percent avoidable,” Murdock said.
Because collisions and single vehicle incidents are 100 percent avoidable she does not see them as “accidents” but something that was avoidable.
“It is about understanding things and staying focused on the road.”
She said coming to the schools with the messages of how to be a better driver and avoid bad habit leading to distracted driving is essential.
“Early learning helps them be more aware and creates good and not bad habits.”
Michael Biggar, vice president of Vanier SADD, said the simulators were a great way of showing students what happens.
“It is very essential to show what happens in rollovers and what you can do to avoid it if you are not distracted.
The 17 year old Biggar works part-time as a volunteer firefighter and has attended scenes where people have not been wearing seatbelts or where distracted driving has played a major role in an incident.
“I’ve seen this happen. Almost on a regular basis sadly. As far as having an impact on a student it shows what can happen.”
Asked what type of impact the simulations would have on students he said it would be varied.
“Hopefully (it will have an impact)…I am not 100 percent sure everyone is going to follow it because nobody is perfect.”
Wendy Smith, driver instructor for Vanier Collegiate, said she liked the event.
“I think visual is a good impact. They can actually see instead of just reading it or hearing somebody talk about it,” Smith said.
Smith said she is aware that distractions is one of the major causes of collisions and it is important students learn how to avoid being distracted while driving.
Asked, as a driver instructor without breaching privacy rules, how many of her students she has seen breaking the rules when it comes to distracted driving she said “I have known a few.”
“I use the vision goggles in my class, where none of us are under the influence, and they are amazed at the things they can’t do when they have the vision goggles on,” she said.
Smith said she has seen a continual shift to better driving behaviours and habits over the years.
“The rules haven’t changed it has always been buckle up and wear your seatbelt but everyone has their reasons why they won’t do it. The majority of them wear their seatbelts but for the ones that get caught there are a number of reasons.”
She said the emphasis is to learn the right habits and proper driving behaviours from the outset of becoming a driver.