Toyota's biggest reveal at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show was none other than the all-new 2016 Tacoma, but outside of the upcoming model, the company also debuted an impressive new driving simulator for their TeenDrive365 program, an initiative that offers tools to help parents teach their kids about safe driving. Equipped with Oculus Rift for the very first time, the new driving simulator headset works to warn teenagers about the dangers of distracted driving. By educating the youth, Toyota hopes to prepare teens for driving and deter distracting acts in the future.
Toyota's all-new driving simulator will immerse individuals in a virtual reality, filled with 3D sights and sounds that make you feel like you're actually in another time and space. The Oculus Rift feature makes this possible by showing parallel images for each eye - much like how we see in real life. RealSpace 3D Audio and 360-degree head tracking also let you hear distinct sounds and seamlessly look around in the virtual world. These abilities are all put into play when you step into a stationary car, put on the headset, and use the car's pedals and steering wheel to take on challenges, while combating distracted driving. A number of interferences, such as text messaging, rowdy virtual passengers, traffic noises and the radio, will be presented to the driver while using the simulator, and if they lose their focus, they'll have to deal with the aftermath of their actions in the virtual world.
As of now, the Toyota TeenDrive365 simulator is being used at events throughout the country. You can test out the headset for yourself at the Dallas Auto Show, running Mar. 25- Mar. 29, 2015 at the Dallas Convention Center.
