Driving Simulator Will Show Teens Hazards of Texting

A new technlogically-advanced driving simulator is coming to the city, thanks to sponsor Arbella Insurance Agency and Dadgar Insurance Agency.

Distractology 101, the massive, 36-foot long bright yellow trailer unfolds to become a 2-person classroom. Accompanied by an instructor, Distractology 101 is a crash course on distracted driving with the goal of educating teens about the dangers of driving while texting and engaging in other common tasks while behind the wheel.

“We have been in operation for over a year, but this is the first time we are coming through Woburn,” explained Anowsh Dadgar. "Previous Distractology simulator tests have found it to be beneficial to the community by addressing and mitigating the dangers of distractions for new drivers.”

Dadgar detailed that the Distractology simulator was created by engineers at UMass-Amherst in response to a the fact that nearly 6,000 people each year are either injured or killed behind the wheel as a result of distracted driving. With many of these motorist's being teens, the idea to target the young motorists was a natural one for Dadgar.

“I want to create safer driving habits for teens,” said Dadger. “There is an increased risk because they are inexperienced and this generation is more and more familiar with distractions like texting all the time.”

Last year, Dadgar's Distractology 101 simulator saw over 2,000 young drivers pass its course, each being given a special certificate and a bonus $15 gas card for completing the 45-minute long program. Added to this, another incentive to jump in Distractology 101 is that some participants may qualify for special insurance savings through Arbella.

“I am hoping for a fun week of educational driving instruction that helps new drivers learn the rules of the road and shows them the dangers of driving while distracted by technology or otherwise,” summed up Dadgar.

The Distractology 101 simulator will be over on 400 West Cummings Park, right off of Washington Street, from May 23rd through the 27th. The simulator will be operational between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Appointments are necessary to use the simulator due to high demand. You can make an appointment anytime between now and when the simulator leaves town by calling 781-933-2626.

For more information on Distractology 101, please visit the website, www.distractu.com.