A new campaign from Manitoba Public Insurance is showing young drivers the dangers of texting and driving.
A new state-of-the-art simulator was shown off on Tuesday, giving a few motorists a chance to try their skills using their cell phone while also maintaining their vehicle in a digital environment.
Winnipeg-based Tactica Interactive developed the technology, which can also be seen at YourLastWords.ca in an online version.
The online simulator will also be added to MPI’s driver education curriculum. Nearly 12,000 students take the program yearly in Manitoba.
“The objective is to provide an experience that will hopefully encourage drivers to stop this risky behaviour in real life driving,” said MaryAnn Kempe with MPI. “This multi-media campaign, the texting and driving simulator will help ensure our primary target demographic of teens and young adults get the message that it is not possible to drive safely while texting.”
MPI says nearly 5,000 Manitobans are convicted each year for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. A conviction results in a fine of $200 and two demerits.
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