BARNEGAT – Before Barnegat High School juniors hit the prom dance floor, they had the chance to make a critical pit stop at an “Arrive Alive” program.
While picking the perfect prom outfit is a priority, this year’s pre-prom prep went beyond the traditional glitz and glamour. School officials and the Barnegat Police Department teamed up to help prepare the junior prom goers for a safe and memorable night.
All 11th-grade physical education classes were allowed to engage with a distracted driving simulator provided by UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour. Under the guidance of Jalen Burress, a program representative who resonated with the students, they embarked on a virtual journey behind the wheel.
“Frank (BHS Vice Principal) Pannullo actually found the organization, and we reached out to them,” said Barnegat Police Officer Brian Weber, the high school’s School Resource Officer. “We set this up specifically for junior students as we do Project Crash for the seniors. We’re trying to hit the kids up a little bit earlier so they know the consequences that could come from these types of situations.”
The simulator, resembling a police car, allowed the students to experience the challenges of driving under the influence or while distracted by a cell phone. With sensors monitoring their every move and VR headsets enveloping their vision, they navigated through simulated scenarios filled with danger. Classmates watched the situations unfold on a monitor set up outside the car.
Students took turns strapping on the VR headsets and getting behind the wheel. As they did so, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to a palpable sense of apprehension. Some could be heard nervously exclaiming as they struggled to maintain control, while others visibly tensed in anticipation of the inevitable crash.
Burress, acting as both guide and enforcer, issued “tickets” to those who veered off course, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.
For BHS juniors Riley Fitzpatrick and Venorah Speller, the experience was eye-opening. Both found themselves on the receiving end of virtual tickets, their simulated blood alcohol levels exceeding legal limits.
As they compared their tickets, the two young women learned that they’d been guilty of different infractions although their simulated blood alcohol levels were both marked the same.
“I could tell what it was like to be impaired,” said Riley, who got her driver’s license in September. “I just couldn’t focus.”
Venorah, who has a learner’s permit, agreed that the experience offered a critical lesson. Both Riley and Venorah agreed it was a good way of teaching them not to drink and drive.
The proactive approach to student safety isn’t new for Barnegat High School. In fact, for the second year running, the district will host Project Crash for the senior class later in the month. While the messaging is similar – reminding students of the dangers of impaired driving – Project Crash utilizes a live-action accident simulation, offering a different kind of impactful experience.
“We want to provide students with a deeper understanding of the devastating consequences of distracted and impaired driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances and how it affects their ability to operate a vehicle,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis. “These initiatives show them that they have a responsibility and duty to themselves and the community to make safe decisions as new drivers.
“As mentors, we want them to not only leave with the understanding and motivation to make responsible choices for their own safety, but the willingness to intervene when they observe peers attempting to drive impaired as well,” he said.
