It’s a recent, and potentially fatal, phenomenon: a car crashes into a tree or telephone pole. It’s the middle of the day — often in fine weather — and there are no other vehicles around.
The cause is almost always distracted driving. And the driver can just as easily be an adult as a teenager.
Meanwhile, for decades, many other accidents — at all times of day — have been caused by impaired drivers. Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be any age too.
Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group wants to do something about it.
This Saturday (October 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Staples football field), the club hosts a Distracted Driving event. It’s free, and open to all high school students.
Plus their parents, and any other interested people.
Drivers can be distracted by texting, as well as by alcohol or drugs.
The State Police will be on hand with a simulator. Attendees can experience first-hand the power of an impact by a moving vehicle — this time, fortunately, in a safe, controlled environment.
Westport police officers will create an obstacle course and other simulations. Using special goggles, participants can experience the effects of substances on depth perception, coordination, decreased reaction time and impaired decision-making.
You can also take a field sobriety test.
TAG has organized this Distracted Driving Day with support from the Westport Youth Commission and Westport Police-Youth Club.
It’s an important event. Drive safely — there, back and always.
(NOTE: Attendees should park by the Staples fieldhouse and pool. Staples boys soccer’s 60th anniversary celebration will fill the parking lot by the soccer field and baseball diamond.)