Deputy transport minister Mark Hooper has launched virtual reality (VR) road safety content aimed at young drivers.
The Welsh Government has funded four VR films aimed specifically at motorcyclists and young drivers, two high-risk groups.
Delivered in partnership with GoSafe and the police, fire and rescue services, Operation Atal runs road safety sessions to demonstrate 'the risks associated with speeding, the importance of seatbelts and the dangers of not fitting child car seats properly'.
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.
Engagement sessions use a simulator, on loan to Wales from Devon and Cornwall Police, and a real motorbike 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.
Mr Hooper said: '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.
