SHELDON, Iowa (KTIV) -
The facts can be frightening. The CDC and DOT say in 2009 more than 5,400 people died in crashes involving driver distraction, like texting. Plus, more than 10,000 were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.
It's numbers like those that have a group in Sheldon, Iowa, fighting back. And they're doing it by putting people in the driver's seat.
Northwest Iowa Community College student John Erwin is about to drive under the influence.
"It's really loose, the steering wheel," said Erwin.
Not literally of course. He's just one of many NCC students using their lunch break to take a spin in the state of the art simulator.
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center and Perspective Insurance bought it. Their goal? Teach people the dangers of drinking too many beers, or sending too many texts, behind the wheel.
"It is a reality check. They all think they can text and drive and very few have been able to without crashing," said Shawn Dreesen with Sanford Sheldon Medical Center.
In the driver's seat, challenges vary by scenario. The impaired course simulates being over the limit with touchy breaks and a sensitive wheel. The distracted driver deals with a buzzing phone and noisy passenger.
Sometimes the simulation ends in a ticket but others; a crash.
"The thing that makes this simulation different is, when you crash like I did, the simulation doesn't stop," said reporter Forrest Saunders.
Through a video, you'll see first hand what it's like to be taken to the hospital or sentenced to time in jail.
"When they sit in the chair and see how it can happen, they realize it can happen to anybody," said Dreesen.
Erwin certainly did, he's just experienced something he never wants to again.
"My heart is pounding right now. I just can't even imagine going through that let alone wanting to actually do it," he said.
If you'd like the simulator to stop by your office, or upcoming event, call either Perspective Insurance, in Sheldon, or the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center.
Perspective Insurance: 712-324-4676
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center: 712-324-5041
