Jan 15, 2015 05:00 PM EST
Toyota Puts Oculus Virtual Reality in Teen Driving Campaign

Toyota is using virtual reality to help teenagers learn safe driving through a partnership with Oculus Rift, developing the TeenDrive365 distracted driving simulator as part of a national campaign.

With a headset from Oculus VR, the virtual reality startup purchased by Facebook last year, new drivers can practice navigating the road while not getting too distracted by traffic noises, the radio and even virtual "friends" occupying the vehicle.

"Oculus Rift provides a virtual reality driving experience that mirrors real life behind the wheel, giving us a powerful, one-of-a-kind way to show parents and teens how everyday distractions can affect their ability to drive safely," Marjorie Schussel, corporate marketing director for Toyota, said in a statement.

The startup's technology gives users a 3-D view with depth and scale that mimic the way your eyes see the real world, while the high-tech audio system gives would-be drivers a sense of distance and movement.

Facebook paid $400 million in cash plus 23.1 million of its company shares to acquire Oculus VR in a $2 billion acquisition deal that closed in March.

Toyota launched the new driving simulator at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week and will be taking the system around the country. Check out the event here to see if the Oculus Rift simulator will make it to your neck of the woods.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

EDITOR'S PICK    

Hyundai to Invest $16.1 Billion for EV Business; Sets Annual Sales Goal of 1.87M Electric Cars by 2030

World's Most Expensive and Most Heavily-optioned Porsche 928 GTS is Coming Home to the U.S.

Major Boost as Tesla Giga Berlin Facility in Final Phase of Approval Process; Delivery Event Set This Month

Audi Looking for e-tron Electric Vehicles to Spur Car Brand's Growth in India in 2022

Toyota Offers Free EV Charging to Owners of 2023 bZ4X After Partnership Agreement with EVgo

2022 Suzuki Baleno Finally Unveiled in India: What are the Specs and Features of this City Car?