Next week, West Virginia University and area high school students will get behind the wheel for a literal crash course on the dangers of drinking and driving.

The Safety SIMulatora virtual educational tool that simulates driving under adverse conditions, including inclement weather and alcohol intoxicationwill be in front of the Mountainlair from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7.

Other stops include University High School from 8-11 a.m. and Morgantown High School from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

The idea is to show students how driving skills deteriorate with the increase of alcohol consumption.

Students will be encouraged to think about what the consequences of impaired driving might have outside the simulator in real-world conditions,said Ruth Kershner, associate professor of community health at WVU .

With a real steering wheel, drivers seat and 400 different driving scenarios, students will feel firsthand how alcohol impairs their ability to steer and brake.

Activities like this one will have a positive impact on studentsfuture decisions and help prevent risky behaviorsand hopefully save lives, Kershner said.

WVU s Department of Community Medicine alcohol education project and State Farm (Parker Hall, agent) are sponsoring the event with assistance from the Community Medicine Student Association.