Thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), Abington Senior High School's Red Cross Club was able to enhance their annual multi-day "Arrive Alive" program for 2025, providing students the ability to operate a specially designed kart that simulates driving under the influence, called a SIDNE vehicle. Abington is one of the first high schools in the state to own such a kart to serve as an educational tool about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
Abington School District applied for, and was awarded, a PLCB Reducing Underage Drinking and Dangerous Drinking Grant to purchase the vehicle, which is a custom-built electric kart that allows drivers and passengers to experience what can happen when they operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, as well as, the ramifications of driving while drowsy or distracted. When driving SIDNE, electronics in the vehicle cause the driver to experience a similar loss of control to that caused by impaired judgment, erratic acceleration, and delayed braking response--all mimicking impairments that are common with motorists under the influence of alcohol.
Beyond the SIDNE simulation, additional activities leading up to the Senior Prom reinforce good decision-making, what to do in the event of an accident, and offer students a chance to interact with local first responders and ask questions.
The overall "Arrive Alive" program includes:
Impaired driving simulation
Interactive safety and awareness stations
Presentations during English classes
A mock crash and subsequent mock funeral and sentencing
"Arrive Alive" is organized every year by the students and staff of the high school's Red Cross Club, in partnership with local first responders. The aim of "Arrive Alive" is to provide a powerful, hands-on learning experience for students that emphasizes the dangers of impaired driving and promotes responsible decision-making as part of a comprehensive safety education initiative.