ANNAPOLIS, MD — A library in Annapolis recently added a driving simulator, helping people learn to navigate the roads before they actually get there.
The driving simulator offers multiple educational courses. It can help rookie drivers and experienced drivers who want to test their reaction times. Gabby Norton lobbied for it.
"I figured it would be a really, really good way to let people practice and get that simulated training before they even get experience in a dangerous situation and feel empowered to get on the roads," Norton said.
Delany Cockrell used the simulator.
"It was really cool," Cockrell said. "I've never driven a car before, and so it's good to learn before I get my permit. It was really fun to try out."
Gemma Love, a licensed driver, said the simulator taught her a few things.
"I thought it was a really great opportunity. I haven't really experienced any risk situations in the time I have been driving," Love said. "Great opportunity to experience someone braking really hard in front of you or pulling out in front of you really fast and not expecting it."
Both girls had their mishaps on the road.
"Ran into the curb a few times and a few stopped cars, but it was good to experience, to know what to expect," Cockrell said.
Users can try driving manually or as an automatic. It can simulate night driving, country driving, how to drive in low-light areas, and navigating the road during difficult weather conditions.
"One of my favorites is the braking reaction time simulator that shows you the difference between braking distance and reaction time," Norton said.
"I'm definitely coming back here, for sure, and with my little brother — he's getting his permit soon," Love said.
The driving simulator was $13,000.