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Team Andersen members use virtual reality to understand reality of drunk driving

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
At the Base Exchange March 4 through March 11, Team Andersen members and their families received hands-on experience demonstrating what it's like driving while drunk - virtually.

The simulator is a virtual interactive experience that mimics the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. The simulator emulates real road driving conditions allowing the "driver" to physically see, feel and experience the dangers of drinking and driving through several driving scenarios.

Through panoramic virtual reality goggles, the Drive Smart DUI simulator generates imagery by taking cues from the driver's reactions while seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle modified for the virtual experience.

New Exchange Car Sales Chrysler sponsored the Drive Smart DUI simulator, providing Team Andersen members with useful insight to what driving drunk is really like and the consequences of getting behind the wheel.

"The simulator is a very important tool," said Garret Lord, New Exchange Car Sales Chrysler sales agent. "The Drive Smart program shows Airmen through experience how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel while intoxicated."

The $40,000 simulator received several good reviews from individuals who "drove" it as well as those who watched.

"I think this simulator demonstration was very important to Andersen's mission," said Master Sgt. Brian Bultez, 734th Air Mobility Squadron air terminal operation center superintendent. "I need my Airmen to do their job, and do it well, and if they drive under the influence, the mission won't happen. The simulator helped with this because it really got their attention and made them realize the dangers of driving under the influence."

A simulator participant also voiced her opinion after taking the program for a test drive.

"The Drive Smart DUI simulator really put things in perspective for me," said Airman 1st Class Savana Snider, 554th RED HORSE Squadron operations manager. "I had no idea that just two drinks per hour could affect my driving as much as it did on the simulator. I don't drink and drive, but the simulator really drove my decision home, reinforcing my beliefs about the subject."

The Drive Smart DUI simulator will be traveling to all overseas bases, providing the opportunity to experience drunk driving and its effects without the cost of lives.