The Northumberland Detachment of the OPP has added another teaching tool to their arsenal.
At the Brighton detachment today, a distracted driving simulator was on display for people to try out.
The equipment, which was purchased through community raised funds, came at a cost of over $50,000 according to Constable Ed Jouwstra.
He says this will be a great tool to teach about the consequences of decisions made behind the wheel.
Northumberland Detachment Commander Inspector Brian O’Holloran says this simulator will allow officers to get their point across about the consequences of distracted or impaired driving in a safe environment.
He says the number of crashes and deaths caused by distracted driving will continue to increase unless they nip it in the bud.
East Northumberland Secondary School Grade 13 student Rebecca Clapp took a turn on the distracted driving simulator and says she would never drive while impaired or distracted because she’s seen the consequences first hand.
Clapp says the drunk driver who caused the accident died and her family member has had long-term struggles ever since.
The simulator also includes virtual reality goggles that can show someone impaired by cannabis or alcohol.