Idaho State Police to host driving simulator to highlight dangers of texting while driving

Mark Reinhardt- Boise Idaho This weekend, the Idaho State Police is putting its simulator on display to highlight the dangers of Texting while Driving. Through the twitter based announcement, a conversation ensued about other kinds of driving dangers,

@NicholasBromund if someone is driving in an unsafe manner no matter what they are doing, they may see red and blue lights in the mirror.

— Idaho State Police (@IdahoStPolice) November 22, 2013

@NicholasBromund #TextingandDriving is specifically prohibited in statute. Besides it's dangerous. Go try our simulator, you'll see.

— Idaho State Police (@IdahoStPolice) November 23, 2013

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, "Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind. (VTTI)" http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html The Distraction.gov website included a list of all items related to distracted driving, Texting Using a cell phone or smartphone Eating and drinking Talking to passengers Grooming Reading, including maps Using a navigation system Watching a video Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player The Idaho Texting while driving statute was passed in the 2012 Legislative Session, during the month of July. http://idahostatepolice.blogspot.com/2012/06/idahos-new-texting-and-driving-law.html The simulator at the Edwards 22 theater will be active until 10:00 PM this evening.