Texting And Driving Program: Arrive Alive Tour Visits Juniata High School

The Arrive Alive Tour brought their texting and driving program to Juniata High School in Pennsylvania recently, as the students learned the dangers of distracted driving. This is a perfect time for these texting and driving programs to come to schools. Schools are winding down and preparing for proms and graduations.

Texting and driving program - Arrive Alive Tour

Texting and Driving Program

The Arrive Alive Tour was brought to Juniata High School by the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club. For the program, we use a high-tech simulator, impact video and other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving and drunk driving. Participants get the opportunity to experience the potential consequences of distracted and drunk driving, but in a controlled environment.

The participants wear virtual reality goggles while in the simulator. These goggles bring in the sense of texting and driving or driving under the influence. During our stop, The Sentinel stopped by to cover things. They spoke with Samantha Liberatore, a physical education teacher at Juniata High School and SADD club adviser. She said, “The purpose is to show them how focused you really need to be on the road.”

Always Needed

Texting and driving is a major issue in this country, as the facts show us! The participants received a mock citation after going through the simulation. These show the real-life consequences of texting while driving or drinking and driving. Liberatore said that distracted and impaired driving “is an issue no matter where you are.” She added, “Hopefully by participating in this simulation, they will stay away from situations that could harm or kill them.”

Simulator Was Well Received

Like most events, the texting and driving program was well-received. Liberatore said, “I think they are taking it very seriously. They go into it thinking, ‘oh, I can do this,’ but then find it is harder than they thought it would be.” The Sentinel also got a chance to speak with some of the students that participated in the event. Sophomore Nina Harling said, “It shows how badly you drive when you are under the influence.” Sophomore Hayley Snyder added that experience was “scary” and when she drives, she will be using a hands-free device.