Action for young people

This simulator shows the dangers of distraction

Presenting the safety campaign: Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig, Stefan Valentinitsch (Head of ÖAMTC Mobility Park) and Johanna Mutzl (President of ÖAMTC Carinthia)(Bild: Katrin Fister)

The cell phone beeps, listening to the navigation system, adjusting the air conditioning or radio: Distraction is particularly tempting behind the wheel. A new safety initiative by ÖAMTC and the state of Carinthia aims to raise awareness of this issue among young people. 

Hand on heart: who hasn't glanced at their cell phone, changed the radio station or quickly checked the navigation system while behind the wheel? If you are driving at 80 km/h, you are driving 70 meters "blind" - a danger. "The accident statistics show that distraction is still the number one cause of accidents. The 15 to 14 age group is particularly at risk here," reports Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig.

Stefan Valentinitsch in the "distraction simulator"(Bild: Katrin Fister)

In order to make young people aware of the dangers of paying attention in road traffic, the state of Carinthia supports a road safety initiative developed by ÖAMTC Carinthia. "The program consists of three modules and is aimed at young people from the age of 14," explains Johanna Mutzl, President of ÖAMTC Carinthia.

Johanna Mutzl and Sebastian Schuschnig with intoxication goggles(Bild: Katrin Fister)

However, the "Safety Mobility Day" is not just about theory. The girls and boys will "experience" for themselves how quickly they can become distracted using a computer simulation and VAR goggles. "The device is unique and was developed by a company from Linz," says Stefan Valentinitsch, head of the ÖAMTC Mobility Park in Villach. The children also take a seat in a special car and wear so-called intoxication goggles. They have to brake when called upon. "The youngsters learn how to estimate distances and how intoxication affects their perception."  

Course dates still available
The courses take place in the afternoons at the Villach Mobility Park and are free of charge for schools. Registration is still possible directly at the ÖAMTC Mobility Park. Up to 50 pupils can be supervised at the same time as they go through the three practical modules on this day.