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July 11, 2011

Young drivers can experience the dangers of distraction in free simulation

By Jesse Roman Staff writer

BEVERLY — It's no secret that texting and driving causes accidents, and appropriately, state governments across the country have moved to ban it.

This week, new drivers — the demographic most likely to be distracted while driving — will have a chance to take part in a simulation program to show the dangers of distracted driving. It's called Distractology 101.

The interactive program uses a 36-foot-long, neon-yellow mobile classroom outfitted with high-tech driving simulators that give new drivers a real-life look at the potentially disastrous effects of distracted driving. The program, developed by the Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, will be in Beverly all week starting today.

The free training is about 45 minutes. Drivers will face a number of scenarios based on real-world examples that illustrate the dangers of distracted driving and teach participants how to anticipate hidden hazards, react to the road and avoid accidents.

According to Arbella, more than 1,400 new drivers went through the Distractology 101 simulator training in 2010. Eighty-seven percent of students surveyed said the experience was effective or extremely effective, and 59 percent said they would recommend the experience to a friend.

The free training in Beverly will take place at Appleby & Wyman Insurance Agency, 152 Conant St. To sign up, contact Rebecca Yavner at Appleby & Wyman at 800-928-2289.

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