Mature drivers invited to attend virtual reality awareness sessions
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West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are inviting mature drivers to attend a free awareness session over the summer months where they can experience a virtual reality film which has been developed specifically to help drivers understand the changes that happen as we age and how it can affect our driving.
This innovative initiative is part of a focus, outlined in Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan, to educate drivers on the important role they play in reducing the excessive harm too often caused on our roads.
The sessions are being held primarily for drivers aged 65+ and are running on the following dates:
- Tuesday 3rd June – Redditch
- Tuesday 10th June - Hereford
- Tuesday 8th July – Bromsgrove
- Tuesday 22nd July – Leominster (AM session only)
- Tuesday 29th July – Evesham
- Tuesday 12th August – Ross-on-Wye
- Tuesday 19th August – Wyre Forest
- Tuesday 2nd September – Peterchurch
- Tuesday 28th October – Malvern
- Thursday 30th October - Worcester
Two sessions will run on each date: 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm (attendees need only attend either a morning or afternoon session). Please note, only a morning session is running in Leominster.
The “Keep Driving VR” film has been produced collaboratively by local authority partners across the country and the national Older Driver Forum. Using virtual reality technology, the film aims to visually highlight areas that become more challenging as we age, such as impaired vision and reduced physical mobility, and support drivers to manage the risks so they can keep driving safely for as long as possible.
Attendees will have the chance to watch two short films through a VR headset, while seated. After watching each film, there will be the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you may have. As well as mature drivers, these sessions may appeal to any family members who may have questions or concerns on behalf of an older relative. The events aim to raise awareness in an informal setting; attendees will not be assessed and information discussed will not be reported anywhere.
To book a place:
Anyone interested in attending a session must pre-book a place, as spaces are limited. Please email West Mercia Police Road Safety Team ([email protected]) and specify which location you would like to attend and your preference for an AM (10am-12pm) or PM (1pm-3pm) session. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, and joining instructions will be provided when your place is confirmed.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Across West Mercia over the last five years (2020-2024), there were 34 fatalities and 259 serious injuries involving drivers aged 70+.
“At the heart of my West Mercia Safer Communities Plan is working with partners and the public to improve road safety. Education plays an important part in that and I fully support this collaboration which utilises the latest technology to equip people with the knowledge they need to stay safe on our roads.”
Please note, mature driver awareness sessions in Shropshire will be advertised in due course, once dates/venues are confirmed.
