Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed October to be “Distracted Driver Awareness Month.” MATC Student Life Office along with American Automobile Association (AAA) of Wisconsin and the Auto Club Group are bringing a driving simulator into all four campuses to give students an opportunity to safely experience the challenges of texting while driving.

Traffic Safety Foundation Director of Public Affairs, Nick Jarmusz, stated, “18-to 39-year-olds are most likely to engage in phone-based distractions, such as texting, talking and using social media.” Jarmusz said they are visiting MATC because that our student average age range is in their target demographic.

The student gets to drive a simulator and then is asked to perform a basic task with their phone, such as what time a movie starts or where a place is located, while maintaining proper driving skills. Many students found themselves slowing down to 15 miles per hour, while others swerved into oncoming traffic. Rebecca Lennon, Occupational Therapy Assistant student said, “This is a great idea,” and Brittney Massenza, Liberal Arts student, stated, “It was a great eye opener.”

Students were also encouraged to write down a goal they might not be able to achieve if they were involved in a phone-based distraction crash and post a selfie of them with the note to social media with the hashtag #MATCisfocused.

Students were then able to enter a drawing for a $50 gas card, compliments of the non-profit Auto Club Group. If you missed Jarmusz at the Oak Creek or Milwaukee campuses you may still have an opportunity to try out the simulator from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the West Allis campus on Tuesday, Oct. 20 or the Mequon campus on Tuesday, Oct. 27.