Fire Crew Use Virtual Reality To Educate

21 November 2016, 07:35

Firefighters from South Wales are using virtual reality headsets to raise awareness about what can happen if you take your eyes off the road

The 360 degree VR video gives drivers the ‘most realistic experience’ of a road traffic collision from the front seat passenger's perspective, with users experiencing a full crash scene extrication. The technology incorporates 360 degree filming and is designed to show drivers the dangers of the roads and what can happen if things go wrong, especially when being distracted and using a mobile phone while driving. 

Users experience a full crash scene extrication from the arrival of the emergency services, while being talked through the process by a paramedic.

Shaun Moody, Head of Road Safety at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said,

“We need to do all we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads by engaging, informing and reminding them of the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving, as well as raising awareness about using inappropriate speed, driving under the influence and not wearing a seatbelt.  

“Careless driving not only has the potential to cause life changing circumstances for the driver or their passengers, but also passersby and other road users. By using new technology like the VR headsets we are ensuring the Service is keeping up with how our communities, especially younger drivers, are engaging and consuming safety messages. I’m looking forward to seeing how our communities react over the coming days, weeks and months.”