Ford has partnered with Google and virtual reality (VR) studio Happy Finish to launch an app that brings to life the potentially fatal consequences of driving while distracted.

VR app, Ford Reality Check, casts users as a distracted driver picking up friends on the way to a party. Instant messages, phone calls and chatty passengers all compete for attention, sparking a series of near misses. The final distraction proves fatal – with the user to “blame”.

“Being involved in a car crash can be a life-changing experience – and sadly, for too many young people, one that cuts lives tragically short. We hope that by providing a chilling glimpse of how easily this could actually happen, we will encourage young people to drive more safely,” said Jim Graham, Manager, Ford Driving Skills for Life. “Virtual reality is the ideal medium to highlight the dangers of distracted driving to young motorists. This age group is more likely to engage with VR, and studies suggest immersive experiences in virtual worlds can positively influence behaviours in the real world too.”

The interruptions faced by drivers in Ford Reality Check are based upon the most prevalent and dangerous distractions for this age group, including smartphones and passengers. The app tracks the amount of time the driver doesn’t have their eyes on the road, displaying the total at the end. In initial tests, 90% of those who used the app said they would change their driving behaviour after the experience.