John Price Law Blog

Virtual Reality and Safe Driving

Virtual reality technology is catching on, evidenced by Facebook’s recent introduction a VR headset that operates without a connection to a computer or smartphone. The mobile headset, Oculus GO, costs $400 less than the original Oculus Rift. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, has announced his commitment to making VR experiences accessible and relatively inexpensive. If scrolling through your newsfeed on your phone or desktop isn’t immersive enough, strap on the VR headset to view your pictures and videos in 3D.

The visual experience is an extension of the 360 degree videos already available to Facebook users. With the headset, you can interact with content as if you were playing a video game. Given that Facebook’s site has 2 billion monthly users, widespread adoption could make the company millions of dollars and normalize virtual reality as a part of our daily lives.

In addition to expanding the reach of a social media giant, Oculus Rift and other related VR technology could have a major impact on traffic safety. Some organizations are developing VR experiences that are remarkably successful at teaching young adults how to drive safely.

In large cities with heavy traffic, car accidents are the leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Other teenagers delay getting their licenses or forgo driving all together out of fear for their safety.

However, virtual reality has the potential to make the roads safer for teens and adults. With organizations such as Teen D.R.I.V.E., your teen can hop into a car seat, grab ahold of the steering wheel, and adjust the control panels while giant screens simulate realistic driving scenarios. VR technology allows inexperienced drivers to safely practice a difficult skill.

The benefits of simulated driving aren’t limited to America: participants in countries such as Turkey, China, and Malaysia have witnessed promising improvements in driving expertise after getting behind the virtual wheel.

VR simulations can help with more than just driving. Children with autism or other special needs can experience real-life situations in a safe, non-threatening environment in virtual reality setups.

Further applications for VR could include teaching students how to safely drive in inclement weather or other dangerous situations without putting anyone in harm’s way. If countries, cities, and schools continue adopting virtual driving simulators, we could see a significant reduction in traffic fatalities.

At John Price Law Firm, we provide compassionate, experienced representation to victims of motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, medical negligence, or dangerous work conditions. To speak with our team of legal experts, contact us online or at (843) 552-6011.

Additional Resources:

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/friday-fun-using-virtual-reality-create-safer-drivers/1090332/
https://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/umass-memorial-medical-center/services-treatments/injury-prevention-center/teen-drive