By now, it's probably happened to most of us.
We're behind the wheel, on our way somewhere, and the phone rings, or we hear that familiar ping, alerting us we've gotten a text.
Tempting, isn't it? What could possibly happen if we just take a quick peek?
As Susquehanna Valley High School students learned April 25, when the International Save a Life Tour brought its interactive multi-media distracted driving presentation here, that "quick peek" could have deadly consequences.
Students began the Save a Life Tour day in the auditorium, with a presentation featuring recorded testimonials from people who have experienced how a momentary distraction behind the wheel can change - or end - a person's life. Later in the day, students took the wheel of virtual reality driving simulators, where they navigated their vehicle through virtual streets while using their cell phone. Many of them found it isn't as easy as they thought to safely navigate while texting or answering a call.
The International Save a Life program has been used by the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as the Connecticut D.O.T., New York STOP-DWI, Missouri D.O.T., Michigan Highway Safety, Tennessee Highway Safety and more, to inform, educate and demonstrate the potentially catastrophic outcome of driving while distracted. At the end of the day, students are asked to complete a survey and sign a pledge card to avoid driving distracted.