OC High School Students Learn DUI Dangers Before Prom Season

With prom approaching in mid-May, Ocean City High School juniors and seniors got to experience what it's like to be behind the wheel after drinking recently, as they tried a desktop simulator program at school.

The One Simple Decision computer program challenges students to “drive” through a virtual town as their responses are altered to resemble intoxication.

The effects typically cause students to run stop signs and traffic lights and even cause virtual accidents. The unit also has a distracted driving module that shows students how even a glance at their phone while driving can turn deadly.

The desktop simulator captures the consequences of what happens when you drive intoxicated or distracted.

The HERO Campaign's Desktop Simulator Program

The simulator sessions are offered through a partnership with the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean City Police Department, and NJM Insurance, which provided funding for the simulator.

“At first, students enjoy the fun and challenge of the simulator, until they experience problems and realize that drinking and driving is no joke and can have serious consequences,” said Bill Elliott, founder and chairman of the HERO Campaign.

With the HERO Campaign’s DUI Desktop Simulator Program, students experience what it feels like to drive under the influence and view real footage of law enforcement conducting field sobriety tests — a powerful reminder that one decision behind the wheel can change a life forever.

“We are excited to offer this next-generation driving simulation,” said OCHS Principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal.

“It will serve as a cautionary reminder for them to be safe and responsible drivers.”

The HERO Campaign

South Jersey high schools are participating in the HERO Campaign

High schools in Atlantic and Cape May counties are participating in this program as they prepare for prom season and graduation.

Navy Ensign John R. Elliott was killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The fatal head-on collision occurred on Route 40 in Upper Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, just two months after he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.

The driver, who was intoxicated, was also killed in the crash.

The HERO Campaign works to spread the word about not drinking and driving in partnership with law enforcement agencies, schools, federal and state highway safety organizations, sporting venues, and professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies.