According to a series of news reports, Toyota has been working on helping drivers to avoid distracted driving with the help of a new technology. The TeenDrive365 is a simulator that helps drivers to learn more about the dangers of driving a vehicle while distracted by a phone, another device, or other passengers. According to the manufacturer, the item was developed to educate teens and other drivers about the potentially deadly consequences of distracted driving.

How It Works

The simulator takes you to a ride behind the wheel of a Toyota vehicle. Once the “driver” puts on the Oculus Rift headhet, he or she becomes immersed in the experience by allowing the virtual reality to take over. The visuals are realistic and the sounds make you feel like you’re actually driving the vehicle in the real-world. As you simulate driving the Toyota vehicle, the technology challenges you to focus on safety while dealing with a series of distractions related to the outside world such as traffic noises and the radio as well as distractions coming from your own simulator vehicle such as text messages and friends talking to you from inside the vehicle.

The simulator puts you in a situation that, if you do allow distractions to take over, the consequences may cause you to regret your actions. While in a controlled environment, the simulator works by helping you to learn about the possible consequences of distracted driving involving deadly and serious auto accidents. This type of educational system helps consumers to learn more about car safety and accident avoidance, helping consumers to enjoy the game while learning to drive safely in the process.

Toyota’s initiative is being praised as one of the best steps to avoid and fight distracted driving-related accidents. The company’s approach to safety has been changing as of late, for the better. Recently, Toyota’s Prius V made it to the top of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ awards, showing that its executive are concerned with safety. The development of the simulating game could help to tackle the safety problem from a different front.

By helping teens and inexperienced drivers to understand the importance of not taking part in distracted driving, Toyota helps manufacturers to understand just how important it is for drivers to have access to safe and defensive driving education.

Hopefully, Toyota will inspire other companies to push for innovative technologies that will help to save lives.

To read more about Toyota’s distracted driving simulator TeenDrive365, click here for more details.