March 11, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Interactive progr­­­am to show children how distracted driving reduces reaction time
Interactive progr­­­am to show children how distracted driving reduces reaction time
By Kayla Thomason-
"When people think about distracted driving, the first thing they think of is texting or talking on the phone," program coordinator Taylor Wilke said. This program is housed at Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital. "But there are many other distractions such as conversations with other passengers in the vehicle, eating or drinking something, manipulating a GPS, or applying lipstick or other makeup that many of us are guilty of doing which can put us at as much risk of getting into a crash."
At the Kohl's Kids on the Go event they will have programs geared toward children of all ages that require their concentration, and they'll notice how difficult it is to follow that task when they are presented with distractions.
Those who are 13 years or older can participate in the distracted driving simulator, which will have a large screen, a steering wheel attached to the table and a gas and brake pedal on the floor.
"Children that are 13 years or older are able to try the driving simulator, as we believe at this age, children are beginning to become aware of the techniques of driving and are able to control the vehicle in the simulator," Wilke said. "The passenger continuously talking to the driver is the biggest distraction participants will see, as well as things such as pedestrians, dogs and cats crossing the street, soccer balls and texting on a cellphone."
Parents may be all-too familiar with young children fighting in the backseat or being too loud and fidgety, causing unnecessary distractions and stress, and it's also important for the little ones to know that behavior is not safe.
The Kohl's Kids on the Go program has a game for young children called Distract-A-Match. Children who know their colors and can count will be able to participate in the event.
"The task is to match the foam shape piece to the correct shape on the table-top mat while being timed," Wilke explained. "As the rounds continue, the facilitator adds in distractions, such as engaging the participant in conversation, asking them to count backwards from 100, or dial a number on their cellphone, to show that as we engage in other activities than just the task at hand (matching the shapes to the correct spot on the mat) our reaction and processing time takes much longer, which can be very dangerous especially when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle."
She added that it teaches young children how important it is to try and not distract the driver.
Kohl's Kids on the Go event has been a success with those in attendance.
"In the past two years that we have held this event, we have received great feedback from the public," she said. "Everyone seems to be appreciative of our efforts and our program and is aware that education on distracted driving is a much needed topic; not only for our teenagers but also for our parents and adults who are just as guilty, if not more, for engaging in a variety of distractions when they are behind the wheel."
Some parents with bad habits have told Wilke they have been scolded by their young children.
"Children pick up on the behaviors of others, so it as just as important for parents to be educated on this topic, as well as teens," she said. "I don't know how many times I have heard from parents and others that their 3-, 4-, 5-year-old is the one in the backseat telling them to put their phone down/away or reminding them to buckle up. Our young ones know right from wrong and try to keep their mom/dad or older brother/sister honest when behind the wheel, and that is what we are trying to get our society back to."
Not only will families get to participate in the event, they can also receive some takeaway items such as car air fresheners, remaining Kohl's Cares merchandise, wristbands and thumb rings, and Ministry Health Care sponsored items such as animal drawstring bags.
This is the first year the event will be held in Rhinelander. Last year it was in Eau Claire and the year before that Wausau.
"Our program runs on a year-long grant basis with monies provided through sales of the Kohl's Cares Merchandise from the Rhinelander, Wausau, Stevens Point, and Eau Claire Kohl's stores," Wilke said. "We are currently in the third year of the program and I am working on submitting the grant application for our next year (July-June 2017)."
The event has drawn 300-400 people each year, and Wilke is hoping for a similar response in Rhinelander.
This program is a partnership between Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital and the Kohl's Department stores through sales of their Kohl's Cares Merchandise at the Rhinelander, Wausau, Stevens Point and Eau Claire stores, she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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