University freshmen to host Arrive Alive Tour session
The Waynesburg University Freshman Bonner class will host an Arrive Alive session Monday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waynesburg Central High School. The rain location is under the Waynesburg University Benedum archway.
The Arrive Alive Tour is produced by UNITE International, the number one health and wellness organization in the nation. The tour educates individuals about the dangers of distracted driving in hopes of preventing further accidents and deaths.
As of March 8, 2012, text messaging while driving is prohibited for all drivers in Pennsylvania. Through the Arrive Alive Tour, the University’s Bonner Scholars are striving to promote the importance of adhering to the new law.
“Arrive Alive will allow students to experience the dangers of distracted driving in a safe environment,” said Sarah Brandstetter, coordinator of the Bonner Scholars. “In this simulation, students will be able to see how making calls or sending texts can change their lives and the lives of others in an instant.”
During the simulation, participants will occupy an actual car and will wear virtual goggles to generate driving scenarios. The participant will press the gas pedal and use the steering wheel while sending and receiving texts. The process is displayed on a screen for spectators to watch. At the end of the simulation, the participant is handed a citation based on his or her driving.
“Receiving this grant for the Arrive Alive Tour not only allows us to help the community at this time, but it also allows us to enlighten and educate the community for the future,” said Kyle Digiandomenico, a freshman psychology major and Bonner Scholar. “We believe if we can save one life by providing individuals with the information to enable them to rethink their choices, our mission will be accomplished.”
A Community Impact Grant of $1,000 will aid the freshmen Bonner Scholars in their class project. The Bonners, a group of students that share a service-based scholarship, received the grant for their Distractions While Driving project.