Case Study :
CMPG use of virtual reality headsets
Overview of the approach
Although not their primary activity in relation to
preventing mobile phone use by drivers , the Central Motorway Police Group use virtual reality ( VR ) film as part of their broader approach . The film that they use adopts a fear-appeal logic ( see p68 ), highlighting the severe personal consequences that can result from using a mobile phone while driving . The action depicted in the film relates to young drivers in particular .
The virtual reality headsets can be used as stand-alone technologies but are generally deployed inside a police vehicle , so that individuals experience the scenario depicted within the film ( crashing and being cut free from a car ) in a similar spatial context . CMPG officers have taken the VR strategy to a local university and to local schools , to educate young drivers and passengers about the issues associated with mobile phone use while driving . Accompanying police officers also provide some one-to-one and small group engagement alongside the use of the VR headsets .
Mobile : Engaged contribution
Knowledge exchange
One member of the Mobile : Engaged team sampled the virtual reality experience when CMPG brought the approach to our students at Keele University during NPCC mobile phone week . We also subsequently met with a CMPG officer and held a Knowledge Exchange Consulation to discuss VR , amongst their other approaches to tackling mobile phone use by drivers .
Encouraging behaviour change VR is exciting , and VR is new . But it is important that we look beyond its novelty factor and consider how it should best be used . We need to make sure , for example , that just because we can produce realistic experiences , we don ’ t forget what we know about the use of fear-based information . Whilst it may be an incredibly powerful way to give individuals information about the consequences of dangerous driving , we mustn ’ t fail to also equip its users with methods to respond to that . VR must be used as part of a package of
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