Virtual reality experience helps pupils learn vital road safety lessons

• Launch of new virtual reality road safety resources aimed at young drivers and motorcyclists
• Transport Minister Mark Hooper visited Tonyrefail Community school where a motorcycle simulator tests learners hazard awareness using authentic controls and immersive technology
• Operation Atal, delivered in partnership with GoSafe and the police, fire and rescue services, combines roadside engagement and school safety sessions to reduce serious and fatal collisions

Funded by the Welsh Government, and delivered in partnership with GoSafe, the police, and fire and rescue services in Wales, Operation Atal runs road safety sessions in schools and engages with drivers directly on the roadside, helping them understand the risks associated with speeding in communities, the importance of seatbelts and the dangers of not fitting child car seats properly.

Welsh Government funding has enabled four VR films to be produced, aimed specifically at motorcyclists and young drivers, two groups who are disproportionately represented in collision statistics across Wales.

By combining real-life scenarios with storytelling, the initiative aims to influence behaviour, improve hazard awareness, and ultimately reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on Welsh roads.

During the visit, pupils and the Deputy Minister took part in the Alive Five VR experience, joined an engagement session with the police on illegal e-bike and e-scooter use, supported by a display of confiscated items, and tried a motorcycle simulator used to educate and engage inexperienced riders.

The simulator, on loan to Wales from Devon and Cornwall Police uses a real motorbike and is operated using software to test riders' hazard awareness skills. It has authentic controls, including brakes, clutch, throttle and indicators, to replicate real-life road conditions.

Riders aged 16 and up are surrounded by integrated video screens, with realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors, to provide a fully immersive experience.

Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, who rides an electric Vespa himself, said:

I'm pleased to be here today to see how innovative technology is being used to support road safety education. Virtual reality provides an immersive way of helping young people understand risk, build hazard awareness and make safer choices on our roads.

Young drivers and motorcyclists remain disproportionately represented in serious collisions across Wales. Initiatives such as Operation Atal are important because they focus on prevention, helping people recognise risks before tragedy occurs.

Detective Superintendent, Tom Moore, Head of GoSafe said:

These new VR resources provide a powerful way to engage young drivers and riders, helping them recognise risks and make safer decisions. Education and prevention are key to making Wales's roads safer for everyone.

Each of Wales's three Fire and Rescue Service areas has a set of VR goggles, helping to ensure the resource can be used across the country.