Waynesboro students participate in a distracted driving simulator

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) – Waynesboro drivers and students had first-hand experience with how distracted driving can cause problems on the road.

Students were asked to drive a golf cart through an obstacle course while dealing with distractions such as loud music and talking to show how these can affect your focus. This is the first year Waynesboro High School has tried this program.

“I heard about this project from a friend of mine who runs a YOVASO club at another high school. I wanted to make sure everyone at our school had the opportunity to do this too,” said Waynesboro High School teacher Mickie Holbert.

The Youth of Virginia Speak out about Traffic Safety or YOVASO club is a student-led organization that empowers them to take the lead in educating their peers and the community on safe driving.

Holbert said that we live in a world where everyone is constantly distracted.

“I tell my students all the time that you can’t trust other people on the road to be safe, but you can trust that you are the safest driver out there,” Holbert said.

Holbert said he thought the simulation served its purpose for the students.

“It’s always fun to see people get behind the wheel and have a go, for those who sit in the classroom all day and do the work; it’s exciting to see them get out and try it for themselves,” Holbert said.

One student who participated called it an unforgettable experience.

“He gave me a little hard time, but it was cool. He was just asking a lot of questions and trying to distract me,” student Briscoe Miller said.

Miller said that although he is not yet a driver, he believed this experience would help him when he eventually gets behind the wheel.