It's often very hard to convey to teenagers just how dangerous something is, but Toyota takes a stab at it with its distracted driving simulator. Created to work with an Oculus Rift, it imagines a scenario in which the teen is texting and driving at the same time. This is a huge issue at the moment and the distracted driving simulator could very well save many lives.
Dubbed TeenDrive365, the distracted driving simulator "bombards them with the distractions they'll face in real life by placing them into a car with their friends, with the radio blaring, with cop cars whizzing by, and with a mobile screen in eyeshot," writes Fast Co Design. This is one way to ensure their more prepared when taking on the real world.
Distracted Driving Simulators
Toyota Uses Oculus Rift Headsets to Simulate Texting and Driving
Trend Themes
1. Distracted Driving Simulators - Toyota's use of Oculus Rift headsets to simulate texting and driving highlights the trend of using immersive technology for educational purposes.
2. Teendrive365 - Toyota's TeenDrive365 program demonstrates the trend of creating interactive and realistic virtual simulations to teach teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving.
3. Realistic Scenario-based Education - The use of simulated environments and real-life distractions in Toyota's distracted driving simulator reflects the trend of providing experiential and immersive learning experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can capitalize on the trend of using virtual reality technology to create driving simulators that educate individuals about safe driving practices.
2. Education - The education industry can leverage the trend of immersive technology and simulated environments to create engaging and impactful educational experiences.
3. Technology - The technology industry can explore the trend of using virtual reality headsets like Oculus Rift to develop innovative solutions for driver education and training.