Sacramento safety center offers high-tech simulator to prepare teen drivers

As a parent of a soon-to-be driver, the statistics are sobering: Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged 20 and older, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That's why I was relieved to discover Safety Center's state-of-the-art driving simulator program that offers immersive training for teenagers and newly licensed drivers. Safety Center is located at 3909 Bradshaw Road in Sacramento. The simulator, created by Virtual Driver Interactive, takes participants through real-world scenarios including intersections and parking lots. Driver safety simulator programs are proven interventions that help new drivers develop better skills. The main program consists of two 2-hour sessions for $140. Each lesson begins with 100 points, with deductions for mistakes like failing to signal or not checking intersections. Participants must score 80 or higher to pass and can retry if needed. Safety Center also offers "One Simple Decision," a 15-minute add-on session warning about texting or drinking while driving. The program is open to anyone wanting safer driving skills, though children under 13 cannot use the simulators. Participants need only bring water if desired. Upon completion, they receive an emailed certificate and comprehensive results. For information, call 916-366-7233 or visit safetycenter.org/traffic-safety/driving-simulator/. Discovering family-friendly destinations and adventures beyond our backyard. For questions or comments, email Jessica at jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com.