Impaired Driving Simulator Hits The Roads In Del.
Delaware has its first Impaired Driving Simulator Program.
The Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement received a grant of $140,000 from Highmark Delaware to help purchase the simulator, which replicates the experience of driving while impaired or distracted. Vision, braking and steering are among driver functions that are impacted.
The simulator will be deployed by DATE and the Delaware Office of Highway Safety at schools and community events around the state to build awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
“It is critical that every driver on the road understands the repercussions of driving while under the influence,” Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long said. “Deaths and injuries due to driving under the influence are preventable. Innovative solutions like this can help to reduce the number of accidents and save lives. I thank all of the state partners for their leadership and the support of Highmark DE in launching the DUI Driving simulator. Partnerships like this help make our state stronger and healthier.”
“Impaired driving remains prevalent on our roadways. Much like aggressive driving or other dangerous behaviors, impaired driving is entirely preventable,” Delaware Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Nathaniel McQueen added. “Many thanks to DATE, OHS, and the support of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for devoting their time and dedication to this project. Projects like this are critical for our efforts to reduce the incidence of impaired and distracted driving throughout our state.”
1,050 DUI-related crashes and 3,972 UI arrests were reported in Delaware last year.
“Our Division is pleased to present this state-of-the-art Impaired Distracted Driver Simulator. From its inception, this project has been supported by our partners at Highmark Delaware, Delaware Office of Highway Safety and the Office of the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security,” DATE Director John Yeomans said. “This is an extremely valuable tool in our continued efforts to educate our citizens and especially our young drivers regarding impaired driving.”
