A new virtual reality intervention has been developed to help mature drivers better understand the risks and hazards that become more prevalent with age.
Keep Driving VR, produced by the ICE Hub, is the first virtual reality education film created entirely through crowdfunding.
Whilst the film demonstrates some of the negative effects of age on driving, such as impaired vision and reduced physical mobility, the main purpose is to increase awareness of the issues older drivers face, facilitate engagement and offer coping strategies.
It is built around the following key objectives:
- Increased awareness of reduced physical mobility (i.e. range of next movement)
- Understand the effect impaired vision can have on safe driving
- Demonstrate how speed perception abilities can deteriorate with age
- Reinforce the importance of maintaining hazard awareness and prediction skills
The intervention has been designed to be delivered by facilitators in two phases. The first part of the film lasts around four minutes, after which point viewers are asked to remove the headset and engage in a discussion.
They then put the headset on again and complete the final section of the film, which includes either a rural or urban commentary drive sequence depending on which the facilitator feels is most appropriate.
Among the supporters of the resource is the Older Drivers Forum, whose chair Rob Head has produced comprehensive facilitator notes to ensure thorough delivery of the key messages and that any risks around using virtual reality are fully mitigated.
James Evans, founder of FirstCar, said: “This is the first virtual reality education film created entirely through crowdfunding and it’s been an amazing experience.
“Not only have the production costs been shared between multiple agencies, but the production process has been enriched by having so much experience and expertise around the table during the planning, shooting and editing phases.
“I’m delighted that Rob Heard, chair of the Older Driver’s Forum, was able and willing to lead on the specialist areas of the storyboard and script. He also presented/narrated the film, drawing on his own experiences in retiring from the police and accepting that some of his advanced skills would surely depreciate over time.
“This gives the film an incredibly personal feel, whilst remaining professional.”
For more information on the film, which will be evaluated by Ian Edwards, contact James Evans via email.
The full list of supporters is as follows:
- Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
- Buckinghamshire County Council
- Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership
- Wiltshire Council
- Luton Borough Council
- Avon & Somerset Police
- Hertfordshire County Council
- West Mercia Police
- Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue
- Nextbase
- Older Drivers Forum
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
- YSS
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
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