Simulator Demonstrates Danger of Texting While Driving

Students are told that texting while driving is dangerous, but Monday, Oct. 1 they’ll have a chance to find out for themselves just how dangerous.

AT&T is bringing a state-of-the-art virtual reality simulator to campus to the Central Quad east of the fountain in front of the Arkansas Student Union from 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

The simulator is a computerized system used inside a real car. Drivers will get instant feedback from the simulator showing how texting affects their driving performance. This realistic experience gives drivers a safe way to learn just how dangerous texting and driving can be.

The demonstration is part of AT&T’s national “It Can Wait” campaign that aims to teach that a typical text takes the driver’s eyes off the road for about 5 seconds; at 55 mph that means driving the length of a football field completely blind.

In addition to the simulator, students will have a chance to win Bluetooth® “hands free” devices from AT&T. AT&T representatives will also show the documentary “The Last Text” and anyone attending can download the DriveMode app.