Using computer games to help young drivers

It sounds counter-intuitive to use computer games to highlight safe driving practices to Europe’s youngsters, yet that’s just what racers from our Team Fordzilla esports team are doing.

Our expert virtual racers are using the realistic mechanics of computer games to show driving scenarios with and without real-life skills applied, such as speed management and hazard awareness. The often-disastrous outcomes when driving skills are not applied safely highlight just how important understanding different elements can be in the real world.

 

The videos use a multiplayer format that allows different Team Fordzilla drivers to choreograph the various scenarios on the same screen, using realistic levels of speed rather than the fast and furious pace usually associated with racing games.

 

When we polled 5,000 young drivers from across Europe last September, one third (33 per cent) told us they watched online tutorials on how to drive and over a quarter (28 per cent) had aimed to improve driving skills through computer games. Almost half (46 per cent) of those that used games felt their driving had improved as a result, so it is hoped these tutorials will be an effective additional help.

The initiative is a virtual response to our Driving Skills for Life physical programme being put on hold for 2020. The usual hands-on practical driver training offered by the programme has seen 45,000 young drivers across 16 European countries take part since it began in 2013. In 2019, 96.4 per cent of the 7,534 participants stated they felt more confident in their ability to drive safer as a result of the training.

A total of six training modules in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish will be viewable on the Ford of Europe YouTube channel.

More Driving Skills for Life stories.

Follow @FordEU