Highlighting joint commitment to public safety in New York; new VR simulators will be used for public programming throughout Western New York to educate drivers on dangers of distracted driving, to help safeguard roads
As part of AT&T's ongoing dedication to support first responders across New York, and to assist the New York State Troopers in the education of drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, the company contributed an "It Can Wait" 3-D virtual reality simulator to the New York State Police Troop A in Batavia. The VR can be used across Western New York for public safety education and programing.
Troop A covers and protects Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
This new technological educational tool will allow Troop A, as part of its distracted driving education community outreach program, to provide drivers with firsthand experience of the dangers of taking their eyes off the road. The virtual reality simulator includes a virtual reality goggle and device kit, distracted driving signage and pledge boards to be used at events to help curb distracted driving and smartphone use behind the wheel.
The contribution to the Troop A is also part of AT&T's longstanding commitment to support first responders and public safety efforts in New York and across the country. To date, AT&T has collaborated with law enforcement in more than 80 "
It Can Wait" education programs at schools, Department of Motor Vehicles events and public education safety events over the past three years.
When one is behind the wheel, everything can change in the blink of an eye. A post, a selfie, a text, a scroll, an email - one look is all it takes. This simulation highlights the consequences of glancing at a phone while driving in a 3-D fully immersive experience.
Marissa Shorenstein, president, Northeast Region, AT&T, said, "At AT&T, we stress that no message is worth your life or another person's life, and to always keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone. We applaud the brave men and women of the New York State Police for all they do to keep our roads safe, and for their public education programs related to distracted driving. We are proud to be able to provide these virtual reality simulators to help save drivers' lives."
"The New York State Police Troop A is pleased to work in partnership with AT&T to educate communities regarding distracted driving. The hands-on tools that AT&T has provided will be put to great use across Western New York, allowing both youth and experienced drivers to witness and experience the seriousness of distracted driving," said Trooper James O'Callaghan, public information officer, New York State Police - Troop A Headquarters. "The New York Police Troop A extends our gratitude to AT&T in ensuring our roads are safer through the virtual simulators donated. Working together, we will hopefully drop the very high distracted driving statics statewide."
In addition, AT&T was recently awarded the opportunity to deploy the nation's first mobile broadband network dedicated to America's police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services to ensure all first responders have the tools to better serve and protect the public and to protect themselves while in harm's way. FirstNet was established by Congress at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission to help police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel communicate in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency involving multiple agencies.
