DetectID: Improving the Detection of Impaired Driving Through Virtual Reality Training

Impaired driving due to alcohol and drugs is a significant public health and safety problem in the U.S. The detection and enforcement of impaired driving laws are key to reducing this problem. Virtual reality training has the potential to support law enforcement officers in obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively detect impaired drivers. DetectID will be an immersive, accessible, scalable virtual reality simulation for law enforcement officers to enhance their existing training in detecting impaired drivers. The proposed product will provide law enforcement officers with the opportunity to interact with virtual drivers who are displaying observable symptoms of impairment. Within the virtual environment, law enforcement officers can practice the skills needed to determine if a driver is impaired due to alcohol or drugs. The proposed Phase I project will result in the development of a comprehensive plan for creating the immersive virtual reality training product. Interviews with stakeholders will contribute to the development of this plan and refinement of the training content, approach, and technical requirements of the final product. Drug Recognition Expert and virtual reality production consultants will provide additional input. The project team has expertise in developing impaired driving prevention and virtual reality training.