In small groups, our Sixth Formers experienced the latest attempt to improve road safety amongst young drivers on Thursday 26 January, when officers from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service arrived to deliver a presentation via virtual reality.
LFRS says the ‘Virtual Reality Fatal 4 – 360 (VF4 360)’ gives young drivers the ‘most realistic experience’ of a road traffic collision from the front seat passenger’s perspective.
The technology incorporates 360 degree filming and is designed to show young drivers the dangers of the roads and what can happen if things go wrong. Users wear a virtual reality headset and experience a full crash scene extrication from the arrival of the emergency services, while being talked through the process by a paramedic.
Launched in September 2014, the Fatal Four campaign highlights what LFRS describes as the ‘four biggest dangers whilst driving’: inappropriate speed, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and drink/drug driving.
Mrs Joanne Banton, Head of Sixth Form, said, “It is essential young drivers are made aware of the potential dangers of driving. We have a strong programme of enrichment which helps to deliver this message and I am delighted to have been able to welcome LFRS to our school again today with this new technology which brings home the reality of a collision.”
