STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse has partnered with the Ohio Department of Transportation to bring roadway safety information to Capitol Square. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to “test their skills” with a distracted driver simulator. The simulator features a computer-generated simulation of texting while driving. Use of the simulator is free and open to the public.

The set-up includes a steering wheel, turn indicators, gas and brake pedals. After “buckling-up,” the driver takes the wheel and tries to drive with distractions. While driving, the participant will receive a phone call, send a text message, and experience other distractions while trying to maintain proper driving skills. ODOT uses the simulator as a tool to educate young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

The special exhibit will be featured in the Map Room on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. The ODOT Distracted Driver Tour will run from January 18 - 25 and is free and open to the public.

Visitors will have the opportunity to use the Ohio Statehouse Museum’s Vote Today interactive (where all visitors, regardless of age, can vote on special issues) to agree or disagree with Ohio’s recent ban on texting while driving.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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CALENDAR LISTING
ODOT Distracted Driver Tour
January 18 - 25, 2013; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse Map Room, 1 Capitol Square; downtown Columbus
www.ohiostatehouse.org
614/752-9777
Free!

In an effort to distribute roadway safety information to the public statewide, the Ohio Department of Transportation has developed a number of programs. The Distracted Driver Simulator features a computer-generated simulation of texting while driving. The set-up includes a steering wheel, turn indicators, gas and brake pedals. After “buckling-up,” the driver takes the wheel and tries to drive with distractions. While driving, the participant will receive a phone call, send a text message, and experience other distractions while trying to maintain proper driving skills. ODOT uses the simulator as a tool to educate young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Visitors will have the opportunity to use the Ohio Statehouse Museum’s Vote Today interactive (where all visitors, regardless of age, can vote on special issues) to agree or disagree with Ohio’s recent ban on texting while driving.