By: Nick Powers | Fraser-Clinton Chronicle | Published January 8, 2025
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Words and photos can send a strong message about impaired driving, but an immersive experience can be even more direct.
The International Save a Life Tour put on a demonstration for kids in Clintondale High School’s conference center on Dec. 12. Students were able to experience impaired driving in two different ways: when under the influence of alcohol and while texting. A driver’s seat, pedals and a steering wheel gave a tactile experience, while virtual reality goggles helped make it even more immersive.
Kids attempted to drive down a road while trying to follow posted speed limits all while either distracted or impaired. Obstacles were at every turn for the drivers to navigate.
Clintondale junior Austin Michalec tried out the drunken driving simulator. He said it was harder than anticipated and that it gave him a new perspective.
“It was a very bumpy drive, not very smooth,” Michalec said. “It was also very slow to turn as well.”
Clintondale senior Abrianna Guzman, who did the texting and driving simulator, said multitasking and keeping her eyes on the road were the most difficult parts of the simulator.
“Because I’m constantly distracted by the vibration in my hand and all I want to do is stare at the phone,” Guzman said.
Guzman said she doesn’t text while she drives.
“I can’t imagine how people do it because I crashed like four times,” she said.
Tour Manager Titus Koso, who assisted the students with the simulators, got involved with the program as someone who knows the dangers firsthand. Koso was involved in several vehicle crashes. He also grew up at a time when video games were becoming more prominent and fell in love with them. He’s been with Save A Life for three years.
“Me loving video games and being in multiple accidents, I felt like it was a great place for me to work,” Koso said. “I could share my personal stories with the kids. I have experienced it that way they don’t have to do it as well.”
During the demonstration, he said it takes 4.6 seconds, on average, to type a text and 3 seconds to get in an accident. Though both texting and driving under the influence can be deadly, Koso said texting is worse.
“The reason for that is you put your face down and you’re not seeing the road,” he said.
Koso said the demonstrations are done all over the country.
“If you absolutely have to, just wait,” Guzman said about texting and driving. “It’s never worth it.”