A POLICE chief has backed a virtual reality tool teaching youngsters about road safety.

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, thinks that DriveVR is a forward thinking way of encouraging responsibility on the roads.

The mobile phone app, which has been downloaded almost 2,000 times, is part of a wider road safety initiative. Green Light Programme.

The Green Light Programme focuses on crashes, speeding, mobile phones, drink and drug driving, distractions, seatbelts, rural roads and pedestrian safety.

Mr Campion said: "DriveVR is an excellent example of a forward thinking approach.

"I hope it will continue to be a success, helping to making our roads safer.

"Too many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads, in collisions which could have been prevented.

"Education is vitally important to ensure everyone understands the impact of making a decision which puts road users at risk.

"I am keen to ensure that resources continue to be in place to change people’s perceptions and behaviours in order to prevent collisions on our roads."

Anna Higgins, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "We’re pleased to have the support from John Campion in helping to raise awareness within our communities even further.

"We’re really pleased to launch DriveVR and promote road safety messages to young people in a much different and much more innovative way than we ever have before, through a virtual reality app."

People can use the app by putting their phone into a virtual reality headset or Google Cardboard.

The app is being delivered to around 5,000 young people each year.