Saskatchewan is now the second province in Canada to offer a mobile interactive classroom that teaches students in grades 4, 5 and 6 about the risks of driving impaired. In September, MADD Canada rolled out the second SmartWheels bus thanks to funding from SGI and SIGA. The bus can fit 40 students at a time and accommodate up to six classes a day. On Monday, those in grades 4 to 6 at Saskatoon’s St. Angela School had the opportunity to put on virtual reality goggles that show what it’s like to drive under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. While on the bus, students also answer multiple choice questions about impaired driving and listen to a presentation from the SmartWheels Facilitator in Saskatchewan, Darren Chetana. He says having a different teaching environment that’s interactive tends to grab the students attention. “It’s a totally different learning experience from what they’re (students) use to, so that right off the bat gets them excited about learning.” Dawn Regan, the Chief Operating Officer for MADD Canada says it’s important to teach kids about the risks of impaired driving before they’re old enough to drive. In the last month, student survey results show that 78 per cent of the students who experienced the SmartWheels bus said they’re not likely to drive impaired once they’re able to get behind the wheel. Throughout the school year, SmartWheels is expected to visit more than 100 schools in the province and be seen by approximately 9 thousand students in the province. Teachers interested in bringing SmartWheels to their school can do so by calling 1-800-665-6233.