Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service partners with Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK to deliver interactive and engaging road safety education.
This investment directly supports Debyshire Fire and Rescue as they promote community safety by delivering interactive, hands-on training, specifically targeting young people to reduce road safety incidents across Derbyshire.
The vehicle will serve as a mobile learning environment equipped with virtual reality (VR) headsets and a 360-degree camera. This setup allows learners to complete practical training in a risk-free environment where they can learn by doing. DFRS Area Manager Adam Bleakman highlighted the importance of the new Youth and Community Education van: “Developed to deliver engaging, interactive road safety education on the move, the new vehicle and its equipment will provide our Youth and Community Education team with better access to communities in hard-to-reach areas and opportunities to reduce the risk of incidents requiring emergency response with a diverse age range.
“The VR headsets provide immersive 3D simulation learning experiences that replicate real-life scenarios and environments. They will be particularly effective in engaging young drivers, as evidence shows this group responds well to VR-based education and it leads to better learning. We’re pleased to have been able to demonstrate the vehicle with Toyota apprentices – many of whom are new to regular commuting or driving for work purposes.
“The 360-degree camera’s flexibility will also enable us to create new VR scenarios that address additional safety risks, including water safety, deliberate fire-setting, and wildfires.
“We would like to thank our longstanding partners at Toyota Manufacturing UK and the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust for their investment and continued support. Their contribution is helping us deliver interactive and engaging road safety education across the county.”
So, be sure to keep an eye out for the new Youth and Community Education vehicle at community events across the county.
