UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour visits University of Maryland Eastern Shore

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under the age of 20 years old are at the highest risk of distraction-related fatal crashes.

One organization is visiting college campuses around the nation with an awareness campaign and even stopped at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour is a high-tech simulator that educates users about the dangers of drinking while driving, as well as texting while driving.

Like in real life, you get behind the wheel with virtual reality goggles and make tough decisions.

After doing the virtual test drive, they will give you fake citation to tell you what you did wrong.

The Safety Ambassador of the tour, Max Vanderwater says, “Once you get out we get to slap you with a citation whether its texting or drinking, and say ‘Hey listen these have real legal ramifications.’ “

The Interim Director of Student Services says that this is more hands-on for students to engage themselves onto this issue, rather than just handing out a pamphlet to tell them what to do.

Vanderwater says it’s a great way to leave a lasting impact, “Every city that I go to I hear a new story about somebody who’s lost somebody and how it’s shaken their community. It’s a national epidemic so that part is really important to us, to hit you with an ‘aha’ moment; this can not only ruin your life but also ruin a whole lot more.”

UNITE’s Arrive Alive tour will be heading to University of Delaware next to showcase their virtual simulator.