The Maria Tiberi Foundation and Virtual Driver Interactive donated 10 new driving simulators to the state.
Springfield, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine introduced a new traffic safety project in Clark County aimed at assisting members of the Haitian community in adapting to driving in Ohio.
Dom Tiberi from 10TV partnered with DeWine to reveal that the Ohio Traffic Safety Office received 10 advanced driving simulators donated by the Maria Tiberi Foundation and Virtual Driver Interactive. These simulators have been strategically placed across Springfield and the county to cater to the Haitian community.
RELATED: Maria’s Message continues to fulfill a legacy 11 years later
DeWine emphasized, “A significant challenge observed among migrants in Clark County is their unfamiliarity with driving norms in this region. Thanks to the generous contributions from the Maria Tiberi Foundation and Virtual Driver Interactive, this innovative initiative aims to educate and train the Haitian population on traffic regulations and equip them with defensive driving techniques essential for ensuring road safety for all.”
The simulators give new drivers the opportunity to experience dangerous driving scenarios and hazards in a simulated environment, allowing them to practice their response to real-world obstacles without putting themselves or others at risk.
“We need to educate our new drivers better and these simulators are a big step in the right direction,” Dom said. “We want new drivers to learn in a safe environment. Don’t learn it on the highway. I believe the use of simulators is a great educational tool.”
The Tiberi family lost their daughter, Maria, in a traffic accident in 2013. Since then, Dom and his family have made it their mission to help educate high school students on the importance of driving safely and to not be distracted while they’re behind the wheel.
The simulators can be found at the following locations:
- Clark County Department of Job and Family Services (2)
- Clark State College (2)
- Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (3)
- High Street Church of the Nazarene (1)
- First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield (1)
- Life in Christ Community Church (1)
Anyone in Clark County who is working toward a driver’s license can sign up to use the simulators for free and each of them will be managed by trainers and translators at each location.
Anyone with questions about the simulators should contact the Ohio Traffic Safety Office at [email protected].
