As part of its latest campaign against distracted and impaired driving, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has launched a VR app that allows users to simulate driving while impaired, distracted, or speeding.
Transcona Collegiate Institute’s Grade 11 students were invited to try the application during the campaign’s launch last Friday. The program will later tour community events and other schools.
Learn more about drivers insurance here.
According to
CBC, the VR application simulates a scenario wherein the user has just come from a party and must take their car out for a drive. The game-like application allows users to make various decisions that would affect the experience, in which they will simulate a ride while impaired, distracted by a cellphone, or speeding. The game also depicts the possible aftermaths of reckless driving – such scenes include a funeral, a hospital scene, and an encounter with police.
Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now.
“This is another way that we can get at our newest, youngest drivers, and help them to make safe driving decisions that hopefully will last them for the rest of their lives,” MPI vice-president of loss prevention and communications Ward Keith told
CBC.
Ward also said that the technology will be used for years to come, and can be adapted as the program evolves.
“When dealing with young drivers, who continue to be over-represented in collisions, our main focus is finding ways to resonate with young drivers,” he said.
Students who participate in the simulation will receive a cardboard VR viewer that allows them to recreate the VR experience with their smartphones.
CBC reported that the program cost MPI $200,000 to develop.
Related stories:
One in 10 Manitoba drivers test positive for drugs: MPI
MPI holds dog owners liable for car damages
.jpg)
