It's now possible to show people the harsh reality of a car crash first hand, with the power of virtual reality.
The VR experience "Your Life - Your Choice" was launched yesterday by Fingal County Council, partnered with Aviva Driving School.
Students at Castleknock Community College used VR headsets, which shows a seven minute simulated experience of a car crash. People using the headsets experience the accident from the front seat of a car.
Mayor of Fingal, councillor Eoghan O’Brien, said: “Our objective with the ‘Your Life – Your Choice’ program is to better educate young people on the dangers of speed, distractions and using mobile phones whilst driving. The VR headsets are a tremendous example of how technology can be used innovatively in helping to change the drivers’ behaviour on our roads."
The simulation shows the impact of driver distraction, speed, mobile phone use and the importance of seat belts. Students also experience the aftermath of a serious accident when first responders arrive on the scene.
He continued: "I want to commend the FCC Road Safety Section for bringing forward this initiative. Using newer technology to spread the road safety message demonstrates a fresh approach to raising awareness, particularly among our younger people."
A total of 148 people died on Irish roads last year, with five deaths on Fingal roads, compared to three deaths in 2018.
Fingal County Council plans to roll out "Your Life - Your Choice" to transition year students across the region, supported by road safety officers.
Mike Kavanagh, Manager at AVIVA Driving School said: “We hope that in using virtual reality technology, students will be more inclined to engage with the campaign and will better learn the important road safety messages that are inherent in the simulated crash.
"Were we to save one life as a result of this initiative, then it will have been a very worthwhile sponsorship.”
