Published: April 27, 2026
Wearing seatbelts in the state of Maine while in a moving vehicle is the law. To help promote safe driving and show the University of Southern Maine residents the importance of wearing their seatbelts while driving, LRA Amber partnered with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety.
Originally, students, myself included, were a little hesitant to try the seatbelt convincer. However, the simulator looked much scarier than it actually felt. The seatbelt convincer simulates what a small crash would feel like if you were driving at 5-8 miles per hour. Realistically, it feels like when you or a driver has to brake hard. It was enough to make a good portion of the students who tried it out understand the importance of wearing a seatbelt when they are in a car.
At 5-8mph, the simulation was enough to knock the wind out of a person, and it made me wonder what it might feel like if someone were going faster. One person who tried the seatbelt convincer said that it was enough to make sure they always remember to wear their seatbelt when they are in the car, and to make sure that their passengers are also safely secured.
If students weren’t interested in trying the simulation, the event also had drunk goggles that distort your vision. Most students who attempted to walk a straight line didn’t do so well, even when they were confident in their abilities.
Overall, the event could definitely be considered successful. Allowing students to understand the feeling of what a small crash might feel like, and to never overestimate their abilities to drive intoxicated, because even if they think they might be okay, they’re not.
So, keep road safety in mind over the summer months. Always wear your seatbelts, because you could be ticketed if you don’t, and never drive while under the influence. Follow these standards and hold yourself and your friends and family accountable.
