RSA Road Safety Shuttle visits Waterford
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) Interactive Road Safety Shuttle visited Waterford this week, where students from secondary schools had the opportunity to experience immersive VR technology which highlighted critical road safety issues.
Supported by Waterford City and County Council, the RSA Interactive Road Shuttle’s visit to Waterford gave students the opportunity to take part in an immersive experience focusing 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 Distractions, which gives users the experience of a crash and the devastation caused by looking at a phone-screen when driving, test their brake reaction time and practice driving and hazard perception.
They also 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.”
Jemma Jacob, Road Safety Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “In May this year, Waterford City and County Council, in conjunction with the Waterford Road Safety Working Together Group (WRSWTG) launched the Waterford Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030. The plan is aligned to the 2020 Programme for government commitment to achieve ‘Vision Zero’ – no fatalities or serious injuries on our roads by 2050.
“If, through initiatives such as the RSA Road Shuttle, we can make road users, particularly younger users more aware of critical road safety issues, we can and will make our roads safer for everyone.”
