ALABASTER, Ala. (WBRC) – It’s Red Ribbon Week at Thompson High School in Alabaster.

On Tuesday, students got to see what can happen if you drive impaired or distracted.

Through virtual reality headsets, students were able to experience how split-second decisions could affect their lives forever.

Many of the students WBRC spoke to say they had a hard time controlling their speed and staying in a lane.

They say that while participating in the driving simulator, they learned that impaired or distracted driving is not worth putting themselves or others in danger.

This is the third year in a row that the Arrive Alive tour has partnered with Thompson to show students how difficult and dangerous it is to be distracted, impaired or drunk while driving.

In a safe and controlled environment, students used virtual reality headsets that affected their reaction time and perception of duty like someone under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or distracted by a cell phone.

“If you think you can’t, don’t get in the car and do it. If you have to question it, don’t,” senior Alyssa Wright said.

“I think it’s good for us as a younger generation to see that small decisions can end up costing you your entire future,” added senior Chandler Hayes.

The purpose of the driving simulator is to reach at least one student and hopefully cause a ripple effect that will prevent them from putting themselves and others at risk.

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