PADUCAH, KY — Teen Driver Safety Week is drawing to a close, and teens around the country are still learning about the dangers of driving under the influence—even those here in Paducah.
Students at Paducah Tilghman eager to learn about the dangers of drinking while driving.
The Arrive Alive Tour is a cross-country effort to spread awareness of impaired driving. They stopped at Paducah Tilghman High School with their virtual reality car simulator. The machine mirrors a person driving under the influence, and students could try two scenarios— drunk driving and driving while high on drugs.
Brendan Darrow, team lead of the Arrive Alive Tour, said the scenarios are growing concerns among teen drivers.
“Typically, the scenario I’ll have them go through is either pulling up to a party, and they’re going to drink,” Darrow said. “They might get high because those are usually the most common scenarios. Only because they find themselves doing it, especially around this age group going to parties.
Darrow said the simulator has features that track different elements of driving.
Nyyon Fitzgerald tries to drive the under the influence simulator.
“We have it on two metal plates, so that allows you to turn the wheels,” he said. We have a Bluetooth sensor underneath the steering wheel to attract your steering. Also, you’ll have the VR headset to see the scenario you’re going through.”
Although driving under the influence is a significant concern, experts said to consider regular car maintenance. Corey Polsgrove, Auto Tech Instructor at Paducah Tilghman High, warns that not checking your car can lead to specific issues.
“If you haven’t maintained your car well, let’s say it’s a loose steering component,” Polsgrove said. “It’s not going to drive well, and if you are under the influence, you will be a little more out of control along with your car.”
Listening is the best line of defense when it comes to car maintenance. If it sounds like a problem, more than likely, there is one.
“Listen to your car. Most of the cars these days are smart. They’re going to have all kinds of warnings on the dash,” he said.
Nicholas Fox is a junior at Paducah Tilghman who takes Auto tech. He fears most of his classmates want to drive and do not consider maintenance.
Nicholas Fox (left) and Corey Polsgrove (right) in the auto tech garage at Paducah Tilghman as Polsgrove teaches students how to change brakes.
“In the school, I don’t think there’s a lot of people who really understand that,” Fox said. “They just want to get from A to B.”
He said this should be something to consider, especially if you want to avoid paying heavy mechanic or dealership fees.
“There’s a lot of money that could be wasted from not knowing what is happening to your car,” he said. “You’re going to spend $1,000 to $2,000 on your car if you don’t know what’s happening.”
Fox said knowledge is best in these situations.
Nicholas Fox fixing brakes at the Tilghman auto tech garage.
“Just learn about the car, he explained. “You don’t have to know about every other car in the world; it’s yours. Learn about that one.”
Polsgrove said routine checks include looking at your tires, ensuring enough oil, and checking the brakes and dashboard lights.