A 3D virtual reality simulator is set up at the Port of Rochester today to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
It's part of a national campaign by AT&T. Users put on goggles and headphones and are fully immersed in a two-minute driving experience as they encounter close calls with pedestrians, bikers and other cars while they are distracted by their smartphones.
A recent survey by AT&T found that 7 in 10 people use their phones while driving.
"It's no longer safe to assume that people are just texting from behind the wheel, either,” said, company spokesman Ben Roberts. “They're checking email, posting to social media, snapping selfies, and video chatting. Now, they're also playing video games like Pokemon Go. We've seen a number of accidents throughout the country with users of that new game."
Roberts says most users come out of the virtual experience convinced that they will never again use their smartphone behind the wheel.
The simulation is set up at the Port of Rochester Marina between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The campaign is visiting 300 cities throughout the U.S.
Local officials including Senator Joseph Robach, State Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, and City Councilwoman Molly Clifford are unveiling the simulator in front of the Port Terminal Building at 1 p.m.
