San Bernardino County’s Driving Simulator program offers local youth an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience toward becoming safe and responsible drivers.
Officials said the county Probation Department is committed to providing programs that equip youth in its care with valuable life skills.
“The program is used as an educational learning tool that prepares our youth with virtual hands-on experiences,” Probation Corrections Officer R. Cisneros-Angel said in a video on social media.
The simulator offers a virtual, hands-on approach to driver education, allowing participants to learn at their own pace, according to a county statement. The program is a collaboration involving the San Bernardino nonprofit Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, the California Highway Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
It focuses on fundamental driving skills such as vehicle control, parking, checking blind spots and risk awareness. Youth also learn about the dangers of impaired driving, the risks of riding with impaired drivers and the long-term consequences vehicle incidents involving substance use.
Beyond driving maneuvers and rules of the road in realistic scenarios, the program is “about fostering responsibility, awareness, and sound decision-making skills that will benefit participants throughout their lives,” according to the county. “By equipping youth with these essential skills, Probation is helping them reintegrate into their communities and build a foundation for a brighter future.”
“As we continue to see the positive impact of this program it’s clear that the driving simulator is more than just tool. It’s a stepping stone towards a brighter future,” Cisneros-Angel said.
The county allocated $20,000 for the simulator the start of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, documents show.
More information on the program is available from the Probation Department, headquartered at 175 W. Fifth Street, 4th Floor in San Bernardino, 909-386-1810.
