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11 Considerations When Buying a Texting and Driving Simulator

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Keep these in mind when choosing which distracted driving simulator to purchase.

Consider these factors when purchasing a texting and driving simulator.All it takes is a split second. Diverting your eyes from the road for just a moment to check or send a text message can equal a lifetime of consequences.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving—including texting. An estimated 2,841 people were killed, and another 400,000 were injured by distracted driving in 2018.

The risks of distracted driving are far greater for teens. One study found that teen drivers increase their risk of crashing by 700% just by reaching for a phone. The NHTSA estimates that at a speed of 55 mph, a driver will cover the length of a football field in the time it takes to send or read a message (an average of five seconds).

Experiencing first-hand the hazards of distracted driving within a safe, controlled environment can help educate drivers about these dangers. We’ve developed two innovative texting and driving simulators designed to bring to life how easily a driver can lose focus and control.

Read on to learn more and decide which texting and driving simulator is the best fit for your audience.

Choosing the right solution

The Roadster Pedal Kart and SIDNE (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience) electric vehicle both provide a more realistic driving simulation than virtual reality simulators. When used with our Drowsy & Distracted Goggles, these texting and driving simulators give participants a hands-on recreation of what it’s like to experience delayed reactions behind the wheel.

The Roadster Pedal Kart and the SIDNE vehicle both deliver a meaningful experience for drivers, onlookers, and the community, but there are some key differences to consider.

  Roadster Pedal Kart SIDNE
Overview Manually-operated pedal kart Motorized electric vehicle with gas and brake pedals
Age recommendations Better suited for a younger audience (age 11 and older) Participants must be of driving age (age 15 or older, with a driver’s permit)
Environment

Can be used:

  • Indoors
  • Outdoors, on pavement
  • Off-road, such as on grass

Can be used:

  • Indoors (suggested spaces include school gymnasium or community center)
  • Outdoors on paved areas only
Minimum space requirements

100 x 15 feet

100 x 100 feet

Seating

Single operator

Seating for driver and passenger

Protective gear

Roadster Pedal Kart Drowsy & Distracted Driving Course package: two safety helmets with sanitary fabric caps and two pairs of safety glasses

SIDNE Basic: two safety helmets with sanitary fabric caps and two pairs of safety glasses

SIDNE Ultimate: four helmets and four pairs of glasses

Safety considerations

  • Safe when used as recommended
  • Speed control through pedal or braking mechanism
  • Fatal Vision® Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit available (at additional cost)
  • Safe when used as recommended
  • Two 3-point safety belts, a wide wheelbase, and electronic braking
  • Remote braking
  • Fatal Vision® Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit available (at additional cost)

Required materials for operation

  • Safety helmets
  • Goggles
  • 12-inch safety cones
  • Sidewalk chalk or tape
  • Timer to compare performance when driving distracted vs. unimpaired
  • Safety helmets
  • Goggles
  • 12-inch safety cones
  • Sidewalk chalk or tape
  • Timer to compare performance when driving distracted vs. unimpaired

Training and resources

User guide including proper use and safety precautions included

Optional on-site training (at additional cost)

User guide including proper use and safety precautions included

Full day of on-site training (included)

Maintenance

Minimal

May include charging batteries, maintaining tire pressure, monitoring drive belt and tire wear, and periodically changing transmitter batteries.

Starting cost

$799

$14,890

There are a number of benefits to implementing texting and driving simulators in your driver education and awareness programming and we’re here to help you choose the right simulator. To learn more about the SIDNE distracted driving simulator or the Roadster distracted driving simulator, contact us online or call 800.272.5023.

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