Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, is doing its part to fight drunk driving with its virtual reality (VR) technology.
Called “Decisions”, it is a first-of-its-kind VR experience that allows people of legal drinking age realize what it’s like to be in a deadly drunk driving crash. Spearheaded by Diageo’s Digital and Partnership teams, “Decisions” represents the company’s goal of showing consumers the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking excessively and educating them about the importance of responsible decision-making when drinking.
The company hopes to use this technology to discourage people from driving while intoxicated. Excessive alcohol intake is not uncommon during the holidays and through the use of immersive VR technology, Diageo wants to highlight the negative impact that one wrong move of driving after partying hard and drinking beyond your limit can have on your loved ones and even strangers.
“Decisions” revolves on three storylines. There are friends riding in one vehicle to attend a party. In another vehicle, there’s an adult woman who is celebrating a career breakthrough. In the third and last vehicle, the viewer will be able to explore the relationship of a husband and wife who are having their first date night since the birth of their new baby. These three stories appear unrelated at the outset, but tragedy will unfold, and the viewer will be able to see, hear, and feel a terrifying experience.
Access to “Decisions” is made available through Facebook 360, YouTube 360, and NYT VR. Also, it is compatible with all VR headsets, such as Google Daydream, Oculus Rift, and Samsung Gear VR.
Statistics
- Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash.
- The rate of drunk driving is highest among drivers aged 26 to 29.
- Every day in the U.S., another 27 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes.
- In 2015, 10,265 people died in drunk driving crashes. That’s one every 51 minutes.
- In 2014, 16% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes during the week were drunk, compared to 29% on weekends.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I commend Diageo for introducing this technology. I am aware that the company profits by selling adult beverages like Johnnie Walker, but it has not neglected its duty to the society. With the launch of “Decisions”, it all becomes a balancing act. “Decisions” will be a great reminder for all of us that while we can celebrate occasions, a job promotion, or a life event through drinking, getting behind the wheel while intoxicated has never been justifiable.