Pellissippi State hosts safe-driving exhibit Nov. 11

A realistic driving simulator that shows the effect of too much alcohol on drivers will be set up November 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Using the “Immersive Multi-Screen State-of-the-Art Drunk Driving Simulator,” participants try to operate a vehicle simulator that has been programmed to mimic the effects of alcohol impairment on drivers. The demonstrator was scheduled to be in place at the College last month, but the tour sponsor had to postpone.

According to Kim Thomas, activities coordinator for Student Life and Recreation, participants, who stay sober, begin the exercise by witnessing how a driver’s bad judgment and driving skills deteriorate from alcohol consumption.

Two additional large screen displays show what each driver sees, the face of the driver, a helicopter view of the driver’s vehicle in traffic and an indicator level of the driver’s impairment as it gradually worsens.

In most cases, the simulated drive ends in a serious accident.

At the conclusion of the exercise, participants receive a citation showing the number of violations committed during the simulation.

Part of the nationwide “Save A Life Tour,” the $2 million simulator is transported in a 36-foot trailer. The simulator has been used by military and civilian law enforcement agencies for traffic control training.

Participation in the program is free. The tour stop at Pellissippi State is being sponsored by the Council of Student Advocates and Student Life and Recreation.

For additional information, contact Kim Thomas at 694-6681 or kthomas@pstcc.edu.

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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