CSP Simulator Demonstrates Hazards Of Distracted Driving
By Libby Smith
DENVER (CBS4) - So far this year, 318 people have died on Colorado highways. Last year, the number was 547, the highest since 2008.
Many of those traffic crashes are caused by distracted driving. Recently, CBS4's Britt Moreno found out the consequences of being distracted behind the wheel.
"So we're putting me to the test here, right?" Moreno asked of Trooper Nate Reid, of the Colorado State Patrol.
Reid was guiding Moreno through the Colorado State Patrol's distracted driving simulator. Driving while distracted has become a deadly problem, not just in Colorado but across the country.
"We're seeing all distractions, and it seems like, as the vehicle gets more hands-free that's still a distraction," Reid told CBS4.
LINK: CSP's What's Your Crash Cocktail?
It's not just smart phones that can be a distraction in the car. It can be passengers, or something happening outside the vehicle. It could be controls inside the car, like the radio or air conditioning. And it could be as simple as letting your mind wander.
"If you're somebody that is distracted while driving, it's just a matter of time," Reid said.
In the simulation, Moreno is asked to navigate through a neighborhood with people crossing the street, dogs running around, and other cars. She's also dealing with a talkative passenger and conducting a conversation via text.
"Rick is a little chatty," she said of the texter.
Then she read the text message while driving, "Remember we are doing inventory this weekend, so don't dress nice."
At that moment her passenger said, "Hey, watch out."
And Moreno said, "Oops," as she made a mistake behind the wheel.
What looks like a fun video game is also very difficult. The stakes are low with a simulator, but the message is real on the road.
"We just want to open some eyes to some folks that think that they can multi-task and they can distract and drive at the same time," Reid said.
Moreno crashed every time. The simulator tallies your traffic violations and how much they would cost you at the end of each session.
"You did just like everybody else does, because this isn't designed to win. Because nobody wins when we're distracted," Reid said.
The Colorado State Patrol will have the distracted driving simulator for people to try at the Jefferson County District Attorney's Safety Fair. The Fair is Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
There will be more than 80 booths this year including information on:
-- Teen driving safety
--Living safely with wildlife
--Water and boating safety
--Elder abuse issues
--Emergency preparedness
--Fraud and identity theft safety
--Mental health and well-being
--Fire safety
--Veterans benefits.
You can get up to five boxes of documents shredded, and drop of unneeded prescription drugs. Bring your old cell phones in and they'll use them as emergency 911 phones for senior citizens. You can get a child ID kit made free of charge, and kids can get a free bike helmet for participating in the bicycle rodeo. CHEEZO will be on hand with important online and cell phone safety information for children and parents.
LINK: Jefferson County District Attorney's Safety Fair
Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.
