Road safety shuttle visits Waterford
Students from Waterpark College and teacher Kate Mackey experiencing immersive VR technology at the RSA Road Safety Shuttle, with Sinead Kelly RSA, Gabriel Hynes and Jemma Jacob, Waterford City and County Council.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) Interactive Road Safety Shuttle visited Waterford this week, allowing students the opportunity to experience immersive VR technology which highlighted critical road safety issues.
The immersive experience focused on addressing killer behaviours on our roads such as speeding, driver distraction, fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Students from Waterpark College, Newtown Secondary School and Wexford & Waterford Education and Training Board (WWETB) tried out some of the latest simulations to raise awareness about road safety.
Throughout the day, students were able to experience a VR film which gives users the experience of a crash and the devastation caused by looking at a phone-screen when driving.
They also got to test their brake reaction time and practice driving and hazard perception.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to test the Roll Over simulator, a car-unit that simulates a 90-degree and 180-degree roll-over, highlighting the importance of wearing a seatbelt correctly.
Gabriel Hynes, Acting Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said, “During Irish Road Safety Week, Waterford City and County Council drivers undertook the same safety awareness training, and to say it was hard-hitting would be an understatement. The VR simulation of the consequences of distracted driving really left an impression.
“In continuing our support of Irish Road Safety Week, we were glad to be able to provide this impactful and insightful experience about road safety to students. If, through this initiative, there is one less fatality on our roads, then it will have been a very worthwhile exercise.”
