Participant’s view of the simulator. The facilitator is Daniel Greef. Photo: Ken Engsmyr.
Senior students from Forbes High School spent time learning about the effects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distractions on driving. They have participated in an extremely important program provided by the Rotary Clubs of Parkes and Forbes, and Neighbourhood Central.
“Students experience two training modules on a driving simulator” said Ken Engsmyr of Parkes Rotary.
“The program is not about teaching driving skills. Rather, the program enables students to experience – in a safe way – the effects of impairment and distraction on driving ability.”
“With the ‘impaired driving’ module a participant first drives for about five minutes to practice on the simulator while experiencing normal driving conditions. Then they stop and we switch the simulator into impaired driving mode. The screens blur, the scenery wobbles, and delays are inserted into braking and steering controls. The participant drives again for about five minutes.
The difference between normal and impaired driving is compared by means of a statistical report. The experience provides a powerful demonstration of the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability. It’s an experience that participants cannot – at least should not – experience ‘for real’ with real drugs or real alcohol in a real vehicle on a real road.
The simulator used at Forbes High was acquired recently. Local member Phil Donato supported a grant application that in large part funded the equipment.
“The advantage of having a simulator located locally is we can provide a better response to local schools” said Ken.
After two years of trials there is little doubt now about the usefulness of simulator training to compliment other safe driving programs for learners and newly licenced drivers: the high rate of road fatalities for young drivers make it clear that still more needs to be done to improve the safety of young drivers on our roads.