Road safety message driven home to youngsters with unique simulator

 

The Durham Roads & Armed Policing Team secured the use of a motorbike simulator to give young people a hands-on lesson in highlighting the potential dangers of motorbikes and how easily things can go wrong.

 

Using a real Honda motorbike, the simulator uses authentic controls including brakes, clutch, throttle and indicators to replicate real-life road conditions.

 

The rider is surrounded by seamlessly integrated video screens to provide a truly immersive experience.

 

All manner of road layouts, weather conditions and driving environments were then replicated in an instant – enhanced by realistic vibration, surround sound and working wing mirrors.

 

The custom piece of kit, kindly borrowed from Devon & Cornwall Police, can recreate any number of scenarios a rider might come across, demonstrating the hazards that can be faced on the road.

 

And during the event more than 80 youngsters got the chance to test out the kit whilst being educated by the team on the dangers and how best to protect themselves if they were riding a motorbike.

 

Officers also reminded the youngsters about the specific laws that apply to riding a motorbike and dispelled some common myths about police pursuits and the dangerous consequences of failing to stop for police.

 

Durham Constabulary’s Casualty Reduction Coordinator, Pete Tate, organised the event with Jonathan Slee, Road Safety Team Leader at Durham County Council.

 

Mr Tate said: “There’s been eight deaths in the last 18 months on our roads that involved a motorbike and we know the 11 to 24 age bracket is most at risk of becoming a fatality, so we are always trying to find new ways to engage with young people and educate them on the risks.

 

“The young people we invited to take part are in that at-risk category, so we really hope this approach has brought it home to them of the dangers and help them make informed choices because the last thing we want is for them to become another statistic.”

 

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s member for neighbourhoods and environment, added: “It’s been great to work with police on this initiative.

 

“We know how quickly and easily motorbikes can become a risk to riders and other road users. But technology such as this offers a new and vital platform toward educating younger people about the many hazards and risks that can arise.”

 

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, who is national lead for Road Safety, also attended.

 

She said: “Too many families have their lives devastated by the death or serious injury of a loved one on our roads. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to prevent these incidents and that means education, education, education.

 

“Twenty-four per cent of these incidents are caused by loss of control while 16 per cent are due to speeding. Failing to look is another known cause. This simulator is a brilliant way of reaching young people to make them aware of the dangers on the roads.

 

"It’s the closest thing to real life that I’ve ever seen, allowing them to learn about the risks they take in safety.”