Our agency hosted a Distractology 101 event at East Longmeadow, MA high school, November 3-6, 2015!
What is Distractology 101?
Distractology 101 is an interactive program that was developed by Arbella Insurance Foundation to teach new drivers the dangers of distracted driving. The campaign features a 36 foot long mobile classroom that has two high-tech driving simulators designed to give drivers the chance to experience distracted driving, including texting while driving.
Facts about Distracted Driving
Did you know?
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. That may not sound like a lot but it is the same as driving the length of a football field at 55 MPH, Blind!
The CDC reported in 2014 that nine people die and 1,600 are hurt each day from distracted driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 71% of teens and young adults say they have composed and sent text messages while driving. Also 78% of teens and young adults say they have read a text while driving.
Distractology 101
“Since 2010, Distractology has played a vital role in educating our communities’ young drivers on the dangers of distracted driving,” said Cameron Grimes, Agent at Chase, Clarke, Stewart & Fontana Insurance. “Though laws are in place against distracted driving, education is the real key to making sure drivers make smart decisions behind the wheel.”
The Distractology 101 diving simulator, based on Arbella-funded research conducted with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, provided students with 45 minutes of simulated distracted driving (to each participant).
Students faced a number of situations based on real world examples, educating them on how to anticipate hidden hazards, react to the road and avoid accidents. Later they completed the online questionnaire and made a safe driving pledge.
We enjoyed meeting the students and staff of East Longmeadow High School and thank Arbella for providing the simulator.
Distractology 101- It’s free. It’s memorable. And it could save your teens life.
Distractology 101 is sponsored by Arbella Insurance.