ACC & NZTA Launch Free Virtual Reality for Learner Drivers

Govt Launches Virtual Reality for Learner Drivers

ACC and the NZ Transport Agency have launched a virtual reality (VR) experience to prepare young drivers for practical tests

The VR experience is an interactive drive through real New Zealand streets to help users spot hazards, check blind spots, and use mirrors — all from a virtual driver's seat. The free app is available on iOS and Android.

“This is truly a world-first in driver education,” said ACC Road Injury Prevention Manager, Simon Gianotti.

The most difficult group of drivers to reach are males aged 18 and 19, and they’re also some of the most at risk of serious injury.

“We spoke to hundreds of young Kiwis and we know that many of them feel daunted by practical driving tests. We also know drivers who are better at spotting hazards are safer drivers.”

Nothing replaces real life practice but the VR experience helps young people practice their observation skills from the comfort of their own home. This gives them more confidence behind the wheel

The Drive team worked with Strategy Creative, Mixt and videographers Flying Saucer Films on the project.

For a more immersive experience, the Drive programme is giving away Google Cardboard VR headsets to drivers who sign up at drive.govt.nz .

The Drive VR app is available on iOS and Android from today.

ENDS

Young driver crash and injury facts

About the Drive programme

The Drive programme is a joint venture between ACC and The NZ Transport Agency, with the ultimate goal of creating safe and skilled young drivers.

Since launching on July 1st last year, the Drive programme has had more than 30,000 sign ups and almost half a million total users who’ve completed 52,000 online road code chapter tests between them.

On average, users spend more than 12 minutes on the site: an almost unheard of engagement among the target demographic of young people.

Young driver (15-24) crash statistics

2015 Young driver 15-24 crash statistics. Statistics from the Ministry of Transport Young Driver 2016 report.

· 90 Fatal traffic crashes
· 579 Serious injury crashes
· 2,608 Minor injury crashes

Primary responsibility

· 72 of fatal crashes
· 464 of Serious injury crashes
· 1,993 of minor injury crashes

Total social cost of crashes in which 15-24 year-old drivers had the primary responsibility was $951 million. Which is 25% of the social cost associated with all injury crashes.

ACC young driver (16-24) claim statistics

New Claims
There were 6,896 new ACC claims for young drivers (16-24). That is 34% of total new car claims in 2016.

Active Claims
There were 8,019 active ACC claims for young drivers (16-24). That is 32% of the total active ACC claims related cars.

Active Claim Costs
The cost for active ACC claims was $91,629,644 for young drivers (16-24). That was 48% of the total cost for car related active claims.

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