A crash without consequences: how AUREL helps change behaviour on the roads

We all know that we should be fully focused when driving. But hand on heart – who has never checked their phone or searched for a favourite song while behind the wheel? In the Czech Republic, a traffic accident occurs on average every 20 minutes. Almost a quarter of them are caused by precisely these small lapses in attention. Theory and regulations are one thing, but to truly understand the risk, practice and emotion are needed. To experience an accident first-hand. Safely, yet realistically. That is exactly what the Virtual Traffic Zone (VTZ) project aims to do – and AUREL is proud to be one of its partners.

Virtual Traffic Zone: three pillars, one powerful experience

The Virtual Traffic Zone project connects three unique virtual reality solutions. The entire initiative is driven by the VIZE 0 platform, whose long-term goal is to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries on Czech roads. The Virtual Traffic Zone is one of the steps towards this goal – safely, yet vividly, and using technologies that appeal to both children and adults:

• A crash without consequences – simulation of traffic situations from the perspective of a driver, pedestrian and cyclist. AUREL contributed its expertise primarily to the development of this pillar.
• Movitren – a realistic three-axis driving simulator developed by the Association of Driving Schools, suitable for both novice and experienced drivers.
• VR Rescue – first aid training in virtual reality, including practising CPR.

How “a crash without consequences” was created

Our role began where theoretical rules end. We did not want to simply translate traffic situations into 3D – our goal was to create a believable, but above all intense experience that would leave a strong impression on participants. To achieve this, we combined our experience in road safety, digitalisation and virtual reality. How did we approach it in practice?

1. Selection of real-life situations: The first step was analysing real traffic accidents and the behaviour of road users. The application contains nine scenarios modelling the most common, yet often underestimated and dangerous situations.
2. Three perspectives increase empathy: Participants can experience each scenario as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver. Only when you find yourself in the vulnerable role of a pedestrian do you truly understand why slowing down matters. The same applies in reverse – pedestrians and cyclists also benefit from seeing their surroundings through the eyes of a driver.
3. An experience that teaches: To make the experience more realistic, we added physical movement. Pedestrians control the scene with body movement, cyclists pedal on a trainer, and drivers use pedals. The scenario changes immediately in response to the participant’s actions.

One of the challenges was creating a solution for drivers. A full simulator is not always available, so we designed simple plastic pedals into which a VR controller can be inserted. This allows users to control the brake and accelerator even while sitting at a school desk – for example, when the Virtual Traffic Zone visits schools or universities.

The power of virtual reality

Because participants are literally immersed in traffic situations, the experience evokes genuine emotions such as shock, surprise or awareness of personal limits. And it is precisely these emotions that ensure the experience stays in memory. According to research by GEN Agency, participants often recall the experience spontaneously while driving or crossing the road. This leads to behavioural changes, such as slowing down at pedestrian crossings or paying greater attention to surroundings, pedestrians or children.

“A crash without consequences” also functions as a form of training. If a person encounters a similar situation in real life in the future, they are able to handle it with greater confidence. This is confirmed by the participants themselves – in a survey, 88% stated that thanks to the simulation they would manage a real traffic situation better.

Taking the project further

Development of “a crash without consequences” does not stop here. We are already working on a new feature that will make the experience even more realistic. A collision impact simulator will tighten the seatbelt and rapidly move the seat backwards. The intensity can be adjusted, allowing even children or senior citizens to safely experience a realistic collision.

“A crash without consequences” is engaging and attractive for participants, but it is far more than just entertainment. It is a tool with a real impact on road safety – and at AUREL, we are proud that thanks to our people and technologies we can contribute to achieving the VIZE 0 goal. So far, more than five thousand virtual crashes have taken place, and we believe that the more accidents happen in virtual reality, the fewer will occur on Czech roads in the future.