Texting while driving to be simulated in Greenlawn

The public is invited to participate today in a virtual-reality driving simulator, where they will experience the dangers of texting and driving and be asked to take a pledge to never text and drive.

The noon event will take place at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn. Suffolk County officials, including Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport) will be there, according to a statement from Spencer’s office.

The virtual-reality simulator provides the participant with a city to drive through, including traffic lights, stop signs and other motorists. The game sends the driver text messages while driving the course and asks the driver to respond, the statement said.

The event hopes to encourage people to spread the word to curb texting and driving. Thursday is “Don’t Text and Drive Awareness Day” in the county and nationwide, the statement said.