We all hear how texting while driving, talking on the telephone, checking your GPS, picking up things from the car floor, and reaching back to check on children in the back seat increases your risk of getting into a car accident. All these activities fall into the category of ‘Distracted Driving’. Now there’s a new online game that tests your driving skills while you’re being distracted by pedestrians, speed traps, disabled vehicles, and GPS.
Developed at the University of Minnesota, the ‘Distraction Dodger’ game has you driving a pizza truck and trying to deliver a hot pizza to pedestrians on the street, all while you’re being interrupted by all the usual elements of distracted driving. Every time you deliver a hot pizza, you earn money. With more money, you get more distractions and greater access to your delivery area.
It took me a while to get the hang of accelerating and braking (hint: every time you touch the correct key it moves the spedometer 5 mph), but after a while it can be fun. You’ll be tempted by texting while driving, dogs crossing the street, adjusting the radio, waving to friends, parked cars, and police sirens. All these distracted driving factors can earn you a NYC parking ticket, give it a try!
Click here to start playing Distraction Dodger.
