Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police have teamed up to produce a free awareness session for older drivers (aged 65+) over the summer months where they can experience a virtual reality film which has been developed specifically to help drivers understand the changes that happen as we age and how it can affect our driving.

These sessions will take place at Local Fire Stations throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

This innovative initiative is part of a focus, outlined in Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan, to educate drivers on the important role they play in reducing the excessive harm too often caused on our roads.

The “Keep Driving VR” film has been produced collaboratively by local authority partners across the country and the national Older Driver Forum. Using virtual reality technology, the film aims to visually highlight areas that become more challenging as we age, such as impaired vision and reduced physical mobility, and support drivers to manage the risks so they can keep driving safely for as long as possible.

Attendees will have the chance to watch two short films through a VR headset, while seated. After watching each film, there will be the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you may have. As well as mature drivers, these sessions may appeal to any family members who may have questions or concerns on behalf of an older relative. The events aim to raise awareness in an informal setting; attendees will not be assessed and information discussed will not be reported anywhere.

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.”

Next Mature Driver Awareness Session dates

Dates for the Summer of 2026 will be published here.

Get in touch

If you have any enquiries, please contact the West Mercia Police Road Safety Team RoadSafety1@westmercia.police.uk