Two students compare their results after participating in the impaired driving simulator exercise, which raises awareness about the serious risks of impaired driving. Courtesy/LAPS
A student participant receives his ticket after driving impaired as part of the ‘Arrive Alive Tour’ impaired driving simulator hosted by LAHS Feb. 27 to raise awareness about the serious risks of impaired driving. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Los Alamos High School (LAHS) hosted the “Arrive Alive Tour” impaired driving simulator on Friday, Feb. 27, to raise awareness about the serious risks of impaired driving. More than 100 students participated during class or through walk-up opportunities at lunch.
Students were invited to experience the simulated effects of either driving drunk, high, or distracted by a cell phone. In addition, students from driver’s education and health classes watched an educational video and completed a reflection activity designed to reinforce safe driving behaviors.
According to the 2023 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey, impaired driving remains a concern for youth. In Los Alamos specifically, 14.7% of high school students reported riding in a vehicle during the past 30 days with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, and 2.6% reported driving after drinking alcohol at least once during the last 30 days. Statewide, 38% of crash fatalities in 2023 involved alcohol, and on an average day in the state, an alcohol-involved crash occurred every four hours.
“Events like the Arrive Alive Tour give students a powerful, hands-on reminder of how quickly impairment can alter perception and reaction time,” LAHS Principal Eric Ziegler said. “Our goal is for students to make safety-focused choices behind the wheel and support peers in doing the same.”
Prevention begins with proactive conversations and clear expectations. Proven approaches that parents and caregivers can take: talking early and often about impaired driving, reinforcing the message that it is never acceptable to drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver, and helping teens develop an “exit plan” if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
Safe alternatives may include calling a trusted adult, staying overnight, or helping a friend find a sober ride. Experts emphasize that ongoing communication, modeling responsible behavior, and ensuring teens always have a safe way home are among the most effective strategies for impaired driving prevention.
For more information and parent resources on preventing impaired driving, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
The “Arrive Alive Tour” visit was funded by the Los Alamos County DWI Council and coordinated by the LAPS Prevention program, with the shared goals of reinforcing local efforts to reduce impaired driving and promote traffic safety education.
Direct questions to LAPS Prevention Program’s Sylvia Diehl at s.diehl@laschools.net or 505.663.2564 or Kristine Coblentz at k.coblentz@laschools.net or 505.663.2575.
More than 100 students at LAHS participated in the ‘Arrive Alive’ Awareness Tour. Courtesy/LAPS