Ocean City High School Uses Driving Simulators To Show Prom-Bound Students Risks of Impaired Driving

Ocean City High School used an impaired driving simulator to help prom-bound juniors and seniors understand the dangers of alcohol impairment and phone distraction while driving. The school will host its prom on May 16.

According to a Patch of Ocean City report, students experienced the One Simple Decision computer program. They navigated a virtual town with altered responses to simulate intoxication and participated in a module showing the dangers of looking at a phone while driving.

The simulation sessions were funded through a partnership involving the HERO Campaign, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, the Ocean City Police Department, and NJM Insurance.

According to the Patch, the HERO Campaign, created in memory of John R. Elliott, promotes designated driving and responsible behavior. It has engaged more than 100,000 motorists through the HERO Pledge. The campaign has also wrapped police cars from 50 departments throughout New Jersey with the message, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.”

John Elliott was killed by a drunken driver after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in July 2000.

“We are proud and honored to be part of the HERO Campaign's efforts to save lives by offering this DUI prevention simulator to high school students,” said Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland in a statement shared with the Patch. “John Elliott would have served his country honorably as a naval officer had he lived. Now his legacy is saving countless lives through the HERO Campaign.”

“We are excited to offer this next-generation driving simulation,” said OCHS Principal Dr. Wendy O'Neal to the Patch. “It will serve as a cautionary reminder for them to be safe and responsible drivers.”

All prom-bound high school students and their parents can find more information about the HERO Campaign online and sign up to take the HERO Pledge.