Waynesboro High students participate in traffic safety seminar on impaired driving

An increased presence of police cars parked at Waynesboro High School on Tuesday was not a cause for concern.

The Waynesboro High School (WHS) Physical Education/Drivers Education Department, in partnership with the WHS Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) club, held a traffic safety seminar.

The event featured the Virginia YOVASO, Virginia State Police and State Farm working together to promote awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. The unique seminar offered students a chance to participate in an impaired/distracted driving simulator set up in the high school’s parking lot.

As part of the experience, students navigated a course in a golf cart while wearing impairment goggles and dealing with distractions, simulating the dangerous effects of driving under the influence and distracted driving. The hands-on activity helped students recognize the risks in a safe and controlled environment.

The simulator aimed to foster dialogue between teens, adults and law enforcement about safe driving habits, ultimately promoting better road safety and awareness among young drivers. The collaboration between the WHS YOVASO club, Virginia State Police and State Farm underscores a shared commitment to reducing preventable accidents caused by impaired and distracted driving.

“We are thrilled to bring this event to WHS,” Mickie Holbert, Physical Education and Driver Education Teacher, said. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to engage with law enforcement and safety advocates while learning about the real-life consequences of unsafe driving practices. We’re also proud to highlight our new YOVASO club through such an impactful seminar.”