Virtual reality simulator puts students in the driver’s seat
Students can experience the potential dangers of using a cell phone while driving by sitting inside a virtual reality simulatortomorrow on campus.
A woman uses a virtual reality simulator to experience the potential consequences of texting while driving as part of AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign. Photo Courtesy of Langston Varnadore/AT&T
Sarah King
Executive editor
Students can experience the potential dangers of using a cell phone while driving by sitting inside a virtual reality simulatortomorrow on campus.
AT&T and DRIVE SMART Virginia are cohosting the event Friday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Compass, according to AT&T spokesperson Langston Varnadore.
The event is part of AT&T’s “It Can Wait” campaign, which the company began in 2010 to encourage drivers to focus on the road instead of their phones, Varnadore said.
In May, AT&T reported 61 percent of drivers either glance at texts or actively engage in texting while operating their vehicle. Braun Research Inc. conducted the AT&T-commissioned study by polling 2,067 people in the U.S. aged 16-65 who use their smartphone and drive at least once a day.
Virginia drivers can visit www.ItCanWait.com where they can pledge to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phones, and share their pledge via Twitter (#ItCanWait) and Facebook.
