Crime & Safety
Free New Online Driving Simulation Program Launches For Young Motorists
The California Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans released "The Road Ahead."
RIVERSIDE, CA — Teenagers and soon-to-be drivers in Southern California and across the state can use a new free online driving simulation designed to help young motorists practice making safe decisions behind the wheel, state officials announced Monday.
The California Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans released "The Road Ahead," a web-based game that places users in simulated driving situations involving distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving.
The simulation uses first-person scenarios in which players make decisions and see the consequences of their choices, according to the agencies.
"Teens are still developing the skills and experience they need to navigate the new, exciting milestone of driving," OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. "`The Road Ahead' is another tool that helps young drivers step into realistic driving scenarios, make consequential choices and immediately see how those decisions play out."
State officials said teenagers face an elevated crash risk because of factors including inexperience, inaccurate perceptions of risk and overestimating their driving abilities.
In 2024, 451 California drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were involved in fatal traffic crashes, according to OTS. Nationally, 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving distracted driving that year, including 186 teenagers between 15 and 19.
The simulation includes three scenarios. "One Look Away" focuses on distracted driving and challenges users to respond to the temptation to check text messages while behind the wheel.
"Caught Up in It" focuses on peer pressure to speed while running late, while "One More Drive" addresses the decision to drive while impaired.
Each scenario concludes with safety tips, resources and public service announcements, including two videos created by teenagers focusing on distracted and impaired driving.
"`The Road Ahead' is an engaging, interactive teaching tool that equips new and soon-to-be drivers with the skills needed to become conscientious motorists," Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said. "This practical, video-based experience reminds teens and younger drivers that good choices behind the wheel (create) safer roadways for themselves, road crews and everyone traveling through California."
The agencies also developed a user guide explaining how individuals and groups can use the simulation, along with technical and browser information.
OTS provided nearly $3.5 million during the past year to the California Highway Patrol to expand teen impaired-driving education statewide through programs including Every 15 Minutes and to support distracted-driving education and the CHP's Start Smart program, officials said.
"Getting behind the wheel is a serious responsibility that demands sound judgment and the ability to adapt to changing conditions," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. "These skills develop over time through practice."
The simulation is available free to teenagers, parents, educators, mentors and other California drivers at TheRoadAhead.GoSafelyCA.org.
