News Release

Southeastern to host texting and driving awareness simulator


Contact: Tonya Lowentritt

10/15/10



     HAMMOND – New technology that permits individuals to simulate the experience of texting while driving will be in operation at Southeastern Louisiana University’s upcoming Homecoming celebration.
     Texting has been shown to be more dangerous for drivers than alcohol, and many states – Louisiana included – have banned texting while driving.
     Thanks to a partnership between the university and an organization called P.E.E.R.S. (Professionals Encouraging Educational Reform Statewide), the dangers of texting while driving can now be experienced in a safe, controlled environment through a simulator called “AWARE-TXT.”
     Sponsored by Southeastern School of Nursing and funded by a Student Government Association grant, the simulator will be available to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public Saturday, Oct. 23, beginning at 1 p.m. during the Homecoming festivities in Friendship Circle.
     “This technology allows you to sit in a real car, which is suspended and monitored with sensors to simulate real driving,” said Charles Dykes, nursing instructor. “The software renders a virtual field of vision, visible on a heads-up display worn by the ‘driver.’ The software also renders various road conditions, like rain and snow.”
     Dykes explained that participants will experience the difficulty of texting while driving in a completely safe environment, allowing students to fully appreciate the dangers without risk to safety.
     For more information about the simulator, contact Dykes at charles.dykes@selu.edu. For a complete list of Homecoming events, call 985-549-2150 or visit www.selu.edu/homecoming.



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