The NZ Transport Agency will be giving visitors to Northland’s Field Days this week an opportunity to find out what driving skills they need to brush up on.
Visitors to the Transport Agency’s stand will be able to climb into a driving simulator and test their competency in a variety of different driving conditions. The driving simulator mimics the driving seat and dashboard of a vehicle.
The simulator is owned by infrastructure company, Fulton Hogan, and supported by the NZ Transport Agency, ACC, NZ Police, Worksafe, and ERoads.
It gives staff a chance to improve their driving skills inside the mobile classroom as part of a drive to ensure staff and the wider public are safe on the road.
The simulators are capable of recreating up to 41 different driving programmes to assess drivers reactions.
They range from night driving, rural roads, sudden road obstructions and different weather conditions including wind, rain, fog and snow.
People can use the simulator to find out what areas of their driving they’re not doing so well on so they can do a refresher.
Visitors will also be able to try out a pair of ‘beer goggles’ which simulate how drivers would be impaired if they were driving under the influence of alcohol.
Information and tips will also be available to help people find out more about five star safety rating car technology which help protects occupants in a crash.
“The NZ Transport Agency urges motorists to buy a vehicle with the highest possible safety rating they can afford”, says the Transport Agency’s Safety Director Ernst Zöllner.
“Vehicle technology and modern safety systems work together to keep the driver and passengers safe in a variety of crash situations. A well designed car system can detect an imminent crash and help you stay in better control of your vehicle before or during a crash. They also automatically deploy safety devices.”
More information about checking the safety rating of a vehicle before you buy can be found at http://safety.rightcar.govt.nz/(external link).
“The NZ Transport Agency’s goal is to create a safe system where no one dies or is seriously injured because they make a mistake on the road. Nearly all serious road crashes are preventable and we strongly support drivers who can improve their skills and drive the safest vehicle they can afford, to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe.”
