Students in the virtual driver’s seat

Photo by Paul Robeson

HIGH TECH DRIVERS’ ED: Sophomore Pierce Belton, 15, works through the driving simulation program at Anderson New Technology High School.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities in the United States. Jeff Carr, English and Social Science teacher at Anderson New Technology High School, wanted to do something about that so he offered Driver-ZED, a full-motion, real-life interactive video CD.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, produces Driver-ZED (Zero Errors Driving).

“Students are behind the wheel, at their computers, and it places them into a broad variety of potentially dangerous situations,” said Carr.

“Different scenarios take place in a mix of highway, urban, and rural settings — there are even deer seen in the videos. There are dozens of different situations,” said Carr.”

With more than 60 live-action situations in Driver-ZED the “high-interest” CD helps teens become safer drivers with the interactive experience that puts them in the “virtual driver’s seat.”

Carr explained that a 10-15 second view out of the windshield of a car is given to the student. They are then asked to recall what they saw, such as what road signs were there, what was in the rear view mirror, or whether or not the car’s blinkers were on.

“It is not the old-fashioned, step on the brake in a driving simulator class.” Carr explained.

Students, in a 30-hour classroom situation can learn how to handle a wide range of potential risks, from a child chasing a ball into the street to aggressive drivers who tailgate.

Potential drivers keep an “electronic journal” and they are given “DMV-type questions.”

Community members speak to the class about different aspects of being a licensed driver. Traffic Officer Scott Neimeth from the Anderson Police Department has presented the police aspect of driving and Todd Giles talked about the responsibility of car insurance.

Tom Adams from Les Schwab Tires told students about the importance of alignment and what rough driving can do to tires. A representative of Bernardi’s Collision Center of Redding talked about the cost of auto repairs.

“The cost of repairs can really be an eye opener for the students,” said Carr. “With this program we want to eliminate as many problems for students as we can.”