New driving simulator aims to reduce crashes on Surrey's roads

Virtual motoring experience shows motoring hazards faced in real life.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service are taking a new driving simulator to schools, festivals and communities events across east Surrey to reduce the number of crashes on the county's roads.

Reigate and Banstead Community Safety Partnership's new driving simulator immerses people in a virtual world where they can experience all the motoring hazards faced in real life.

The driving simulator will be taken by firefighters and other members of the partnership across East Surrey to help people of all ages become safer drivers.

Those using the simulator will sit in front of three computer screens and use pedals and a steering wheel to drive the virtual car. A series of scenarios featuring artificially intelligent computer vehicles have been designed to test driver skill including drunk driver and motorway modes.

The simulator was funded by Reigate and Banstead Community Safety Partnership.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's Executive Member for Enforcement Steve Farrer, said: "Many accidents on our roads are preventable. This driving simulator will illustrate and emphasise the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as how speeding impairs judgement and reaction times."

Further information:
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service