ODOT Brings Distracted Driver Simulator
to Calvacade of Customs
LEBANON (Friday, Jan. 13, 2012) – What better venue to showcase ODOT’s Distracted Driver Simulator than at this weekend’s 52nd annual KOI Auto Parts Calvacade of Customs at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.
Amid the eclectic offering of custom cars, hot rods and motorcycles, ODOT, in sponsorship with Nationwide Insurance, offers its Distracted Driver Simulator which challenges the participant to navigate city streets and highways while talking on the phone, sending a text message and listening to passenger conversations.
The Distracted Driver Simulator is part of ODOT’s comprehensive roadway safety campaign "Every Move You Make, Keep It Safe" which aims to educate Ohioans on how to use the roads safely – whether behind the wheel, behind the handlebars or on foot
"Distracted driving is dangerous and has grave consequences," said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. "In particular, cell phone use while driving is very risky and our new simulator tour will show Ohioans the real dangers and consequences of distracted driving."
In 2010, law enforcement agencies reported 39 fatalities, 454 serious injuries and 12,410 crashes that were attributed specifically to distracted driving. Crashes cost Ohio nearly $13 billion a year. About 38 percent of all serious injuries in Ohio occur at intersections. About 40 percent of all fatalities involve motorists who hit fixed objects such as trees and utility poles.
The department’s new safety campaign is linked to Ohio’s overall goal of reducing roadway fatalities 5 percent by 2015. With nearly 300,000 crashes across Ohio in 2010 and more than 1,000 deaths, meeting the goal would help save 150 lives.
The simulator will be available at the auto show, which begins today and runs through Sunday. The convention center is located at 525 Elm St., Cincinnati.
###
For more information contact:
Sharon Smigielski, Public Information Officer, at (513) 933-6511
or email D08.PIO@dot.state.oh.us