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PHOENIX -- With so many recent fatal accidents in the Valley involving wrong-way driving, distracted driving and DUIs, a local Banner Health program aims to raise awareness for safety among high school students.

On Thursday morning, students at North High School in Phoenix learned about the major risks of driving while distracted or while under the influence of mind-altering substances. They also learned the importance of wearing seat belts. (These mock exercises involved walking on a specially designed map, not actually driving.)

For example, students “drove” using a steering wheel while texting, and then performed the activity again without distractions to compare. Students wore goggles that mimic the effects of marijuana and alcohol to compare how driving impaired impacts driving and is harmful.  

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. According to the CDC, a total of 2,333 teens in the U.S. were killed in 2015.