Elderly drivers will have their motoring skills tested as police forces aim to boost road safety with a new scheme.
West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are launching free virtual reality awareness sessions for mature drivers this summer.
The innovative initiative aims to help older motorists understand how ageing affects their driving abilities.
Using cutting-edge VR technology, participants will experience films specifically developed to highlight age-related changes that impact driving performance.
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Programmes will take place across the West Midlands between June and October
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The sessions form part of a broader focus on road safety outlined in the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan.
The programme seeks to educate drivers on their crucial role in reducing harm on local roads and help them manage these risks effectively.
Family members with concerns about older relatives are also welcome to attend the informal sessions.
The "Keep Driving VR" film has been produced through collaboration between local authority partners and the national Older Driver Forum.
The virtual reality experience visually demonstrates challenges that become more difficult with age, including impaired vision and reduced physical mobility, which can significantly affect driving ability.
By highlighting these age-related changes, the initiative helps older motorists continue driving safely for as long as possible.
The sessions provide practical insights in a supportive environment without any formal assessment, while information discussed during the awareness sessions will not be reported anywhere.
Attendees will have the opportunity to watch two short VR films while seated. After each film, participants can ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads.
"Across West Mercia over the last five years (2020-2024), there were 34 fatalities and 259 serious injuries involving drivers aged 70+.
"At the heart of my West Mercia Safer Communities Plan is working with partners and the public to improve road safety.
"Education plays an important part in that and I fully support this collaboration which utilises the latest technology to equip people with the knowledge they need to stay safe on our roads."
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Experts have called for compulsory eyesight tests once a driver reaches 70 years of agePAThe sessions will take place over the coming months
Tuesday, June 3 - Redditch
Tuesday, June 10 - Hereford
Tuesday, July 8 – Bromsgrove
Tuesday, July 22 – Leominster (AM session only)
Tuesday, July 29 – Evesham
Tuesday, August 12 – Ross-on-Wye
Tuesday, August 19 – Wyre Forest
Tuesday, September 2 – Peterchurch
Tuesday, October 28– Malvern
Thursday, October 30 - Worcester
