It takes the brain three seconds to react to an object in the roadway; it takes even longer if the brain is impaired by drugs, alcohol or texting.
“Three seconds makes a big change,” said driver’s ed student Mandii Smith.
Aurora drivers ed students had the opportunity to experience first hand what it’s like to drive while impaired, as well as what it’s like to ride with an impaired driver.
Sarah McCulley with the Aurora Police Department brought the Missouri Department of Transportation and its Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, or SIDNE, to Aurora on June 9, to give the young drivers a taste of what its like to drive without control of a vehicle.
SIDNE uses a small go-cart on an closed course. Students first drove the vehicle in normal mode, but the facilitator soon switched to impaired mode. When driven through an obstacle course in impaired mode, the SIDNE delays responding to the driver's turning and stopping reactions to simulate impairment.
“It’s was so weird because you start going right and then it changes and you freak out,” Smith said.
“It just shows it takes one wrong move when your impaired and you’re done,” instructor Amy Walker said.
Walker stated she has instructed driver’s ed classes for four years and this is the first time she’s had the opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience.
The students also experienced what it’s like to be a passenger and not be able to control the driver’s actions or reactions.
Brandy Rakes said she didn’t like the feeling of not being in control.
“It doesn’t matter what you tell them (the driver) to do, because you can’t control where the cart goes,” Rakes said.
The class also has heard from the highway patrol, insurance salesmen and others who deal with teens on the roads.
Jimmy Michel Motors donated a car for the class to gain real-life experiences on the road.
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It takes the brain three seconds to react to an object in the roadway; it takes even longer if the brain is impaired by drugs, alcohol or texting.
“Three seconds makes a big change,” said driver’s ed student Mandii Smith.
Aurora drivers ed students had the opportunity to experience first hand what it’s like to drive while impaired, as well as what it’s like to ride with an impaired driver.
Sarah McCulley with the Aurora Police Department brought the Missouri Department of Transportation and its Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, or SIDNE, to Aurora on June 9, to give the young drivers a taste of what its like to drive without control of a vehicle.
SIDNE uses a small go-cart on an closed course. Students first drove the vehicle in normal mode, but the facilitator soon switched to impaired mode. When driven through an obstacle course in impaired mode, the SIDNE delays responding to the driver's turning and stopping reactions to simulate impairment.
“It’s was so weird because you start going right and then it changes and you freak out,” Smith said.
“It just shows it takes one wrong move when your impaired and you’re done,” instructor Amy Walker said.
Walker stated she has instructed driver’s ed classes for four years and this is the first time she’s had the opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience.
The students also experienced what it’s like to be a passenger and not be able to control the driver’s actions or reactions.
Brandy Rakes said she didn’t like the feeling of not being in control.
“It doesn’t matter what you tell them (the driver) to do, because you can’t control where the cart goes,” Rakes said.
The class also has heard from the highway patrol, insurance salesmen and others who deal with teens on the roads.
Jimmy Michel Motors donated a car for the class to gain real-life experiences on the road.
