Duryea Police Department, Crime Watch promote distracted driving awareness at Pittston Area High School

YATESVILLE — More than 500 Pittston Area High School students attended a driving simulation Jan. 20 to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

The Lehigh Valley Health Network-sponsored event was brought to the Pittston Area students by members of the Duryea Police Department and the Duryea Neighborhood Crime Watch, who provide educational and hands-on exercises to the public.

The goal of the distracted driving program is to safely simulate the feel of a real vehicle. Students sat in front of a computer and controlled the vehicle through several different scenarios, including distracted and impaired driving, DUI check points, texting and fatal crashes.

Students had the opportunity to speak with volunteers from the Northeast Regional Highway Safety Project, AAA Wilkes-Barre, local police, the mayor of Duryea, the district attorney’s office and state Rep. Mike Carroll’s office.

More than 500 Pittston Area High School students attended a driving simulation Jan. 20 to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. First row, from left, are Rebecca Rybak, Northeast Highway Safety Program; Keri Kline, Northeast Highway Program; Trina Moss, Duryea Crime Watch. Second row, John Morgan, Buckle Up PA; William McQuilken, Lehigh Valley Health Network; James Blaskiewicz, Pittston Area teacher; Luzerne County District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis; Duryea Mayor Keith Moss; Duryea Police Chief Nick Lohman; Duryea Police Officer Michael Rosemellia; Pittston Area High School Principal John Haas.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_PADriving1-1.jpgMore than 500 Pittston Area High School students attended a driving simulation Jan. 20 to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. First row, from left, are Rebecca Rybak, Northeast Highway Safety Program; Keri Kline, Northeast Highway Program; Trina Moss, Duryea Crime Watch. Second row, John Morgan, Buckle Up PA; William McQuilken, Lehigh Valley Health Network; James Blaskiewicz, Pittston Area teacher; Luzerne County District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis; Duryea Mayor Keith Moss; Duryea Police Chief Nick Lohman; Duryea Police Officer Michael Rosemellia; Pittston Area High School Principal John Haas. Submitted photo

More than 500 Pittston Area High School students attended a driving simulation Jan. 20 to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_PADriving2-1.jpgMore than 500 Pittston Area High School students attended a driving simulation Jan. 20 to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Submitted photo