A Hampshire firm that specialises in creating training software has been working to develop a driving simulator which highlights the "fatal four"distractions which lead to serious accidents.

Blueflame Digital, based in Whitley, has been working on the project with the guidance of Bill Bridger, who has been an Advanced Driving Instructor for almost 20 years.

The software shows people that distractions can kill.

Sergeant Rob Heard, a Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary, said; “The fatal four causes of road traffic incidents are; speeding, use of mobile phones, driving under the influence of drink and drugs and not wearing a seat belt.

“We want to engage with people to re-think their driving habits and re-evaluate their driving when they realise how the slightest distraction when driving, can completely destroy people’s lives, in an instant."

Janie Biddiscombe project consultant at Blueflame commented; “We are passionate about applying simulation ‘games’ to serious purposes for the best learning experiences and developing the software programme for this project was very serious indeed.

“To raise awareness and rethink their behaviour at the wheel of their car, we were determined to cover every potential hazard encountered in the driving simulator.

“Not everyone learns in the same way through books, or presentations. Hands on experience and interactive behaviours can often help people to retain information and learn quickly and effectively. It can be reinforced with direct messages too, through the power of virtual reality.”

Bill Bridger, added: “The way Blueflame Digital has put this simulation together is really professional. They have taken the idea and really brought it to life, encapsulating all the messages needed to tackle these issues, which are often lost in other presentations or training materials.”