Penn State Altoona will hold a Safety Bug event on Thursday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Juniata Gap parking lot.

The Safety Bug, part of an innovative program developed by the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association, is custom engineered to demonstrate the loss of control one would experience if operating a motor vehicle while in an impaired state. A trained mentor in the front passenger seat controls settings that cause the vehicle’s steering to lose its finesse and prompt the braking mechanisms to become unpredictable.

Only students or adults with a valid driver's license will be able to drive the Safety Bug. The Safety Bug Coordinator has complete discretion as to who is allowed in the vehicle. Drivers showing any signs of impairment due to drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to participate in this event.

The event is supported by the Student Initiated Fee, the Health and Wellness Center, and the Office of Student Conduct.