Operation Save a Life: Massachusetts General Hospital Trauma Center's Program to Educate Drivers on the Dangers of Driving While Intoxicated

摘要

The "Save a Life Tour" is an "edutainment" product from the Kramer Corporation, which is based in Michigan. It is a state-of-the-art, totally interactive drunk-driving simulator with a true 225-degree field of vision, force feedback steering, seat movement, digitally recorded and produced sounds, lights, and 3D graphics with associated movement. The experience starts with the participant sitting in the car seat, putting on the seat belt, and turning the key in the ignition to the on position. The mechanism begins simulating a sober individual, and the participant acclimates himself or herself to the simulator car. As the simulator increases the alcohol level, the participant maintains the accelerator, uses signals, and turns the vehicle as he or she watches the "road" on the 225-degree video screen. With the increase in alcohol level, the participant now experiences delays in reaction time and confusion, and it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain control over the simulator. Simultaneous to the increase in alcohol level, the individual also experiences real driving conditions including environment changes such as rain or snow, traffic conditions, including congestion, and traffic signage, including stoplights and signs. The drive generally ends with a crash. The level of impairment is based on nationally recognized formulas of body weight and number of drinks, and no 2 drives are the same.1