Valley Simulates Texting-and-Driving Dangers at Ridgewood High School

Seniors at Ridgewood High School learned first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving when they participated in the “Save a Life Tour”, a distracted driving awareness program sponsored by The Valley Hospital. 

The program, held on Monday, April 14, began with an assembly-style educational program that highlighted the dangers of distracted driving. For the duration of the program, small groups of students tried their hands at the distracted driving simulator units, which illustrate how distraction affects reaction times. 

As the students read and responded to text messages, they tried to keep their eyes on the road and obey traffic laws. Most students failed miserably, driving off the road; crashing into cars, embankments and other impediments; and crossing into oncoming traffic.

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2012 alone, 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Valley will sponsor a similar program for seniors at Paramus High School on Wednesday, April 30.