‘Crash’ course in road safety for young drivers

A ‘crash car simulator’ will be used to educate young drivers in Northern Ireland of the consequences of irresponsible and anti-social driving, including the potential for injury and death.

Drivers will start with a typical journey on a rural road and using its high-quality sound system, hydraulics, DVD player and smoke and light system, the simulator reproduces the ‘touch and feel’ of being involved in a crash.

The £40,000 Department of Justice-funded simulator is a joint ‘safer driving’ initiative between Fermanagh and Omagh and Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “The simulator will give a valuable insight into the dangers associated with driving and be one more resource at our disposal to emphasise road safety with a view to reducing the numbers of those killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said the simulator, which is based on a standard car, will highlight to young drivers the “devastating impacts and consequences of careless and irresponsible driving”.

“Young drivers are vastly overrepresented when it comes to deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” he added.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: “The crash car simulator will be enormously valuable in helping to educate young drivers about the dangers they face on the roads and the consequences of irresponsible and anti-social driving.”

Speaking at the launch, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Mary Garrity, said she was confident that “by providing such a realistic portrayal of a road traffic accident, the message will be delivered much more effectively” to young drivers.

The simulator will be available for use by schools, youth clubs and other organisations to reinforce the road safety message.