Advanced driving simulation helps teens experience the dangers of distracted driving safely through community-driven training initiatives
[Springfield, NJ] — [December 15, 2025] — Virtual Driver Interactive (VDI), a national provider of advanced driving simulation technology, is proud to support driver education programs working to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety. Recently, VDI simulators were featured as part of a Kentucky-based teen driver training program highlighted by LEX 18 News, showcasing how simulation is being used to educate young drivers in high-risk scenarios.
The segment focused on Exodus Driver Training, which partnered with The Tristan Project, an initiative created by Lindsey Brown following the loss of her son, Tristan, in a suspected distracted-driving crash. Together, the organizations are offering free driving courses to teens, using simulation to demonstrate the real-world consequences of distraction in a controlled, hands-on environment.
Kentucky has ranked among the highest states in the nation for teen traffic fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches to driver education. Through simulation, students are able to experience scenarios that cannot be safely recreated on the road, such as responding to unexpected hazards, navigating poor visibility, and managing distractions like mobile devices, without putting themselves or others at risk.
[PAUL KING, Owner, Exodus Driver Training]
“Our goal is to play a significant role in getting Kentucky out of the #1 spot for teen driver fatalities. A spot it has occupied for four consecutive years. I have combed through accident statistics for a long time now. These statistics shed some light but in my opinion, the investigating officers are often too vague in their reports.”
Simulation as a Tool for Prevention
Simulation-based training allows instructors to safely reinforce lessons around distracted driving, hazard recognition, and decision-making. In the LEX 18 segment, students were shown navigating a simulated drive when a phone notification appeared mid-session—illustrating how a brief distraction can quickly lead to loss of control.
While Exodus Driver Training is using simulation to reach teens, the lessons extend far beyond driver education classrooms. Distracted driving affects drivers of all ages, from new teen drivers to experienced adults and professional operators.
“Simulation creates powerful moments of awareness,” said Saagar Govil, President of VDI. “When drivers see the consequences of distraction firsthand—without real-world risk—it can change behavior in ways traditional instruction alone cannot.”
Honoring Tristan Through Education
The Tristan Project was created to honor Tristan Brown’s memory by helping prevent similar tragedies. Through partnerships like the one with Exodus Driver Training, the initiative is bringing attention to the life-saving importance of focused, responsible driving.
[LINDSEY BROWN, Founder, The Tristan Project]
“Tristan wasn’t behind the wheel when he died — he was a passenger whose life was taken because another driver was distracted. I hope teens realize how quickly a split-second decision can change everything. If his story reminds even one person to pay attention and focus on the road, then his life continues to make an impact.”
VDI is honored that its technology supports programs built on prevention, compassion, and community engagement.
Supporting Safer Roads Nationwide
Virtual Driver Interactive supports driver education and safety programs nationwide by providing scenario-based simulation that helps drivers safely experience high-risk situations such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and poor hazard recognition.
Through realistic, repeatable training environments, simulation allows instructors to reinforce critical decision-making skills that cannot be safely taught on public roads. Programs use this technology to strengthen awareness, improve reaction time, and address risky behaviors before they lead to real-world consequences.
While partnerships like the one between Exodus Driver Training and The Tristan Project highlight simulation’s impact on teen driver education, the same approach is used to support drivers of all ages, from first-time teen drivers to experienced adults and professional operators.
A Scalable Model for Prevention
Simulation-based training has emerged as a scalable, proactive approach to driver safety; one that emphasizes prevention over reaction.
By combining technology with strong instruction and community leadership, organizations are using simulation to reinforce safe driving behaviors across a wide range of settings. Whether used in classrooms, training facilities, or community programs, simulation helps drivers better understand the real consequences of distraction and make safer choices behind the wheel.
About Virtual Driver Interactive
Virtual Driver Interactive (VDI) is a leading provider of advanced driving simulation solutions, installed across all 50 states and regions and trusted by 500+ programs nationwide.
With 2,300+ simulator units deployed, VDI supports driver education, fleet safety, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and community safety initiatives through realistic, scenario-based training designed to improve hazard recognition, reduce risky behaviors, and support safer decision-making—without real-world risk.
Get in touch today – Visit driverinteractive.com/request-a-quote
For more information, Visit driverinteractive.com/resources
Media Contact
Jake Rubin
Marketing Manager
Virtual Driver Interactive
[877.746.8332]
[jake@driverinteractive.com]