I-66 EMP and DRIVE SMART Virginia Host Interactive Education Event for New Drivers

More Than 150 Local High School Students Participate in Hands-On Safety Training, Including Impaired Driving Simulation

Manassas, Va. April 23, 2026– Learning took center stage at the 66 Express Outside the Beltway Operations Center in Manassas, VA on Thursday, as more than 150 local high school students participated in an interactive, on-site event designed to prepare them for the wide range of real-world situations they may encounter as new drivers. Hosted in partnership with I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66EMP), the operators of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, DRIVE SMART Virginia and several local public safety and health organizations, the event welcomed sophomore students from Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries. While impaired driving awareness was a key focus, students also gained practical knowledge on roadside emergencies, traffic stops, and basic first aid.

Amid the laughter heard throughout the parking lot, each activity delivered a clear and lasting message about the importance of making safe, informed decisions behind the wheel.

Rotating through seven activity stations over six hours, students participated in hands-on demonstrations simulating real-life driving risks and emergency scenarios. At one station led by Prince William County Police Department, students wore “drunk goggles” to experience impaired vision and reaction time while navigating a pedal cart course.

“Using the drunk goggles was harder than I expected. I thought I’d just see double, but everything was distorted, and it made even simple tasks really difficult,” said a driver’s education student.

Additional stations expanded beyond impaired driving to provide well-rounded safety education from a range of community partners. I-66 EMP team members walked students through what to do during a roadside breakdown, including how to safely pull over, use hazard lights, and contact assistance. Virginia State Police officers discussed what to expect during a traffic stop and reinforced safe driving behaviors and decision-making. Prince William County Fire & Rescue provided guidance on emergency response and basic first aid.

“We learned how to perform CPR, which felt really important—just in case something happens and we need to help”, said a sophomore at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School.

Representatives from UVA Health’s Manassas and Haymarket campuses shared insights on trauma prevention and the real-life consequences of crashes. One of the most impactful moments came from the Christopher King Foundation, where a mother shared her personal story of loss, reinforcing the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of always wearing a seatbelt.

“It was really eye-opening. Hearing her story makes you realize it could happen to any of us or someone we know, and it reminds us to look out for each other, said a student.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs causes thousands of accidents and hundreds of deaths in Virginia every year, and young people are disproportionately affected by impaired driving,” said Kristin Pettway, executive director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “We’re pleased to team up with I-66 EMP to encourage these young people to practice safe driving habits, and we’re especially delighted with how well today’s event went. We believe that today we’ve prevented future crashes, injuries, and deaths on Virginia’s roadways.”

“We couldn’t be happier with how today went,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP, noting that the event marked the first time that the 66 Express Operations Center has hosted a program of this scale. “Students were highly engaged across all stations—from impaired driving simulations to emergency preparedness—and it’s clear they walked away with knowledge they can apply as they begin driving. We thank our partners at DRIVE SMART Virginia and all our other wonderful local and state partners for helping us deliver such a meaningful and comprehensive experience.”

About DRIVE SMART Virginia:
Founded in 1995, DRIVE SMART Virginia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making the Commonwealth’s roadways safer by encouraging smart driving habits. This mission is achieved through educational campaigns, outreach events, and advocacy of traffic safety initiatives, backed by corporate and civic partnerships. Learn more at www.DriveSmartVA.org.

About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.