TOP-25

When TOP-25 first approached TFfE, we were immediately taken by their proposal, which was to launch a pan-European programme to improve driving skills, using interactive tools. The programme provides support to both local and national road safety volunteer organisations and the target audience is the accident-prone category of young drivers or future drivers. The aim is to use stimulating educational methods which make the young drivers well aware of what responsible road behaviour really is and how it can both save lives and reduce emissions. TOP-25 started its activity in 2006 using AlcoKart and a second tool called Driving Simulator was recently added in 2008. AlcoKart resembles a go-cart, and simulates the effect of impaired driving, in real time. Whilst sober, the driver experiences what it feels like to be behind the wheel under influence of alcohol or drugs. Before using the AlcoKart, a briefing is given by volunteers of the TOP-25 team, reinforcing the safety aspects of the exercise.

For Driving Simulator, the driver sits in a real Toyota Corolla Verso and is challenged by a virtual world of interactive traffic created by advanced 3D software. The simulator is extremely flexible, for instance the activity on the road can be adapted to different local driving environments such as the city, a motorway or a country road. Added to this, both the weather and lighting conditions can be altered…and all of this is experienced without any creating any emissions.

Have a look at a TV report clip from Bulgaria: http://people.youthforeurope.eu/video/gallery/TV-Vidin-Driving-simulators