Distracted Driving Simulation Will Educate Barnegat Juniors

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat juniors will learn the impacts of distracted and impaired driving thanks to a new simulation event.

Barnegat High School will host the “Arrive Alive” event on April 29, the district’s first-ever distracted driving event for the junior class.

All 11th grade physical education classes will participate in using a distracted driving simulator provided by UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour, a staged car set up for the simulation to understand the impact of distracted driving.

BHS currently offers drivers ed courses during 10th grade and hosts Project CRASH for the senior class just before prom. While similar messaging, Project CRASH is a live-action accident simulation as opposed to the interactive Arrive Alive simulation.

“We want to provide students with a deeper understanding of the devastating consequences of distracted and impaired driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances and how it affects their ability to operate a vehicle,” said Barnegat Township School District Superintendent Brian Latwis. “These initiatives show them that they have a responsibility and duty to themselves and the community to make safe decisions as new drivers. As mentors, we want them to not only leave with the understanding and motivation to make responsible choices for their own safety, but the willingness to intervene when they observe peers attempting to drive impaired as well.”

Vice Principal Frank Pannullo and School Resource Officer Brian Weber of the Barnegat Police Department are leading this event.

According to a AAA poll, 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35 percent admitted to doing it anyway. For teenagers, car crashes are the top leading cause of death. Of those car crashes, one in four involved an underage drunk driver. By fostering awareness and responsible decision-making, this event will empower students to make safe choices behind the wheel and beyond, according to the district.