Sixteen-year-old Tabitha Lee admitted that she sometimes texts while driving.

“Only at red lights really,” said Tabitha, a Puget Sound Adventist Academy junior, who got her license last year. “But after this, I probably won’t even do that.”

She learned quickly the dangers of distracted driving as she texted while running a red light and swerving into the opposite lane at the school on Sept. 29.

She was not in a real car, but in a high-tech simulator that allowed students to experience in a controlled environment the potential consequences of texting and drunken driving as part of Unite’s Arrive Alive Program.

The nationwide tour, which brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses, also uses an impact video and a number of other resources to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

“It was sobering just to see the real footage of actual people who are our age getting into accidents just because of a drink,” said Tabitha of the video, which shows an injured teenager taken to an emergency room as the result of texting while driving.

During the program at Puget Sound Adventist Academy, 9-12th graders watched the video and then went to the parking lot to use the simulator.

Drivers donned goggles that showed them a virtual road. They steered like they’re in a regular car and sensors translated movements to the screen.

Taylor Braunworth, a 10th grader, drove normally at first. But then his cell phone went off with a text. He swerved in and out of the turn lane as he texted, “I will not text and drive.”

“It’s definitely tricky,” said Taylor, who recently got his permit. “The steering is way over-sensitive, but I get the point. There’s definitely a real comparison – you can get yourself into real trouble.”

Students standing outside the simulator watched on a separate screen as drivers speeded down virtual roadways, plowing into pedestrians and crashing into cars.

Heather Schlaman, an 11th grader, was handed a mock ticket, showing her citations for swerving and going under the speed limit.

“The driving in the simulator seemed harder than driving in a normal car,” said Heather, who got her license last year and only texted once at a red light. “But the texting while driving was really hard.”

She learned to always stay focused on driving “and don’t try to do anything else because it could end really badly.”

John Beddoe, also an 11th grader, said it was difficult trying to concentrate on driving while fumbling for his phone and texting.

“I don’t do a lot of texting, so it was kind of two new experiences for me,” he said of the simulator. “People really need to watch what they’re doing. Pay attention to the road.”

According to King County statistics, distracted driver-involved crashes accounted for 21.8 percent of all fatal crashes countywide from 2005-2009. That translates to 115 people killed. An additional 390 people were seriously injured.

Texting drivers look down at their devices for five seconds at a time on average — enough time at highway speeds to cover more than a football field, according to the Driven to Distraction Task Force of Washington State.

Distracted driving is also an issue that hits home especially for younger drivers who text more than any other age group.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.

And in the State of Washington, there’s a $124 fine for drivers who use their cell phones, thanks to a law that went into effect in June 2010.

For teens with intermediate driver licenses or learner permits, this means they may not use a wireless device at all while driving – including hands-free devices.

Program facilitator Miranda Maxey, of Michigan, started with Unite’s Arrive Alive Tour in April and has traveled to numerous states, including North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

“They’re shocked that they can’t text and drive – that’s a big thing,” she said of the students’ reactions. She added many students are also shocked at the video, which shows that more people die from texting and driving than drinking and driving.

School principal Linda Taber said the program is “wonderful” and it’s something she hopes will heighten students’ awareness while they are driving.

“I really wish that every single person on the roads could watch this because I still see people texting and driving,” said junior Tabitha Lee. “So after seeing that video, it’s a really big deal now.”

More information

Find out more about Unite’s Arrive Alive Tour by visiting www.dwiprevention.org.