What is Distractology 101?

A Crash Course on Distracted Driving

CHS students will learn about the dangers of texting and driving during a free training program, sponsored by Arbella and Dowling Insurance

So what exactly is Distractology 101?

That was the key question at today's Junior/Senior assembly about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of being safe behind the wheel.

Students received words of caution, concern and care from Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, Fire Chief Charlie Doody, School Resource Office (SRO) Detective Chip Yeaton and Canton K-12 Wellness Coordinator Katey Swanson. They emphasized the CHS social expectations of being responsible young adults and making good decisions, while also addressing the deadly impact of driving and texting (and other distractions) on our lives.

Their genuine statements and anecdotes will be enhanced by Distractology 101 -- a free training program that features a video simulator. On Sunday, March 17, the large yellow Distractology trailer will arrive and it will be remain on campus during the week of March 18-22. 

Seniors and juniors who have their licenses or permits have the opportunity to sign up this week. All necessary information is included in the following Distractology 101 press release:

The Distractology 101trailer

Seems like every day, we hear about teens dying behind the wheel because of texting and driving.  Distracted driving is something that affects us all but is proving to be especially lethal for young inexperienced drivers.  If you’re a parent of a newly licensed or permitted driver, it must worry you – and it definitely worries us.

That’s why we are excited to tell you about Distractology 101, a free training being offered by the Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Inc. (“Arbella”) and Dowling Insurance Agency.  Distractology 101 is a mobile simulator designed to train and educate new drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.  The University of Massachusetts, Amherst created the simulations used in the Arbella trainings. When we heard about this great program, we knew we had to become involved and volunteered to host the tour at our school!

The training is 45 minutes of instructional learning behind the wheel of a simulator console.  In addition, students are asked to complete a reinforcement web based training which can be completed from any computer.  Any driver licensed three years or less or has their permit is eligible for this free training.  Your teen will get firsthand experience of how distractions interfere with his or her ability to react on the road, see hidden hazards and avoid accidents all while safely being behind the wheel of a driving simulator.  It’s real.  It’s useful.  It’s memorable. 

But it will only be at Canton High School between Monday, March 18^th and Friday, March 22^nd.

•       Students must have a learner’s permit or a license for less than 3 years

•       Scheduled appointments will be  either during their study or Wellness class, or after school

•       How to schedule an appointment:

•       Registration will take place during all 3 lunches March 13^th and 14^th.

•       Seniors only on Wednesday March 13^th  registration

•       Juniors and Seniors on Thursday March 14th

•       Students must bring their license/permit and class schedule with them to make an appointment

•       First come, first serve, if they have everything with them!

Each student participating in Distractology 101 will receive a $15 gas card

It makes us very proud to be able to offer this to our students.  It’s not every day we get to help save a life.  I urge you to take advantage of this rare opportunity to educate your teen and keep him or her safe.

The Distractology 101 simulator