Drunk driving simulator car used to scare kids in driver ed

Salem, VA

Not to be outdone, Shriners and clowns also hit the road...

A DUI simulation for driver's education students using a short driving test with magnified goggles was set up at Lord Botetourt High School Wednesday, April 30 by State Troopers Mason Jordan and Allen Mann.

Since its development by Mann and two other officers a few years ago, the program has grown and spread throughout the State Police’s Area 38, which is made up of 14 counties.

The program began without its own equipment. Mann started out using borrowed high school supplies and borrowed goggles. Thanks to funding through a Mothers Against Drunk Divers (MADD) memorial fund by an anonymous donor, the DUI simulation program has its own goggles, a travel trailer and a custom built mini-police cruiser made out of the body of a golf cart for the students to test drive.

The mini-cruiser was designed and built by Chris Persinger of Jen Fab. It took 240 hours to build the car. Many resources were pooled to make the car look as detailed and as functional as possible. The car contributes to the end result—getting the teenagers’ attention.

"When dealing with teenagers, you've got to get their attention. They love it (the driving test) and they're listening to what you're talking about. It's a serious message," Mann said.

"They (the kids) have fun," Jordan added.

The goal is always to reach as many kids as possible with the important message of the dangers of driving under the influence. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. The messages are delivered with an easy smile.

But the fun is for the classroom, Mann explained. There will be no more smiling by Mann or Jordan if these kids get arrested.

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