Save A Life Tour coming soon to the KMC

The multimillion dollar drinking and driving simulator, hosted by the Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs and supported by U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg, will begin its tour Thursday to Nov. 18 in Kaiserslautern. It will then travel to Mannheim from Nov. 19 to 21 and end in Heidelberg from Nov. 23 to 25.

“We are trying to show people from a sober perspective how alcohol can affect them,” said Heather Robinson, the USAG Kaiserslautern Army Substance Abuse Program prevention coordinator.

Ms. Robinson said the program serves as an educational experience for soldiers and local high school students as the only simulators in the nation that give participants a completely realistic, sober perspective on the effects of driving while intoxicated.

The 180-degree simulator is made by FAAC Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich. The simulator increases the level of intoxication as you drive to show how the brain becomes impaired with each drink.

During the simulation, a driver is shown how his or her motor skills, judgment, reaction time and vision are affected. The Ford Taurus seat, wheel and dashboard have five virtual monitors that simulate changes in roadways, wheel sensations and weather conditions. All of this, along with the show facilitators and hard hitting impact videos, create an experience that draws people in, changes attitudes and saves lives, Ms. Robinson said.

Everyone will be able to participate. While one person is behind the wheel, bystanders will be able to view large projection screens showing the driver’s view and a helicopter view of the simulation. Ongoing multimedia presentations and an actual casket display will bring home the permanent life-changing impact of drinking and driving. Spectators will quickly realize that this is not a game, it is real life, Ms. Robinson said.

For more information call 370-1710 or e-mail amy.sensiba@eur.army.mil.