Central Bedfordshire Council’s road safety team is using a modified Ford Fiesta to demonstrate to young drivers the experience of being in a car crash.
The vehicle, known as OSCAR (Our Safety Car) will be used to promote road safety to young drivers throughout Central Bedfordshire and is kitted out with technology to simulate the experience of being in a car crash.
To make the experience “as realistic as possible”, the road safety team has created two short films; the first focusing on in-car distractions and the second, looking at tyre safety.
The film is displayed on the front windscreen of the car, with the sound system, hydraulic suspension, smoke machine and light show all adding to the crash-car experience.
OSCAR is primarily being used with young people aged 17-24yrs because 24% of all road fatalities between 2010-13 in Central Bedfordshire were people in that age range.
OSCAR was launched in Dunstable on 13 March and will be visiting local events and places including upper schools and youth groups.
Councillor Brian Spurr said: “When young people first pass their test they aren’t always focused on safe driving, they want to pick up their friends and have fun but OSCAR reminds them, in an interactive way, that they still need to be driving safely.
“The car has been modified both on the inside and out to make it appealing for young people. The feedback so far has been excellent and OSCAR is proving very popular.”
Looks like a novel idea, hope that it appeals to younger persons and does the job intended.
Bob Craven lancs….Space is Safe Campaigner
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