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Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has been named as a finalist in the NFCC Prevention Awards 2026 for its virtual reality road safety video.
Last year, BFRS’ prevention team - in partnership with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service who are also up for the award - launched a new video for its Vision Van immersive experience.
The film named ‘5 in 5’ warns and informs young drivers of risks behind the wheel.
The Vision Van is a road safety vehicle that utilises virtual reality films to engage and educate young drivers in schools and at local events.
Using dedicated hydraulic chairs inside the van, users are immersed into a virtual reality scenario, giving them a realistic understanding of the factors and risks that can lead to a driver being distracted or losing concentration on the road.
The awards, hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council, recognise the people, teams and initiatives making a real contribution to prevention across the sector.
BFRS Station Commander Matt Hyland, who led on the project with Kate Garrigan of Leicestershire FRS, said: “We are extremely pleased to be named finalists for this very important piece of work, which was designed to help young and novice drivers make safer choices on the road.
“It provides a great example of what can be achieved through collaborative working and the positive impact it can have on our communities.”
The film takes its name from its structure: five key risks, each addressed in turn.
These five topics are:
• Distraction (particularly carrying passengers)
• Fatigue
• Speeding
• Mobile phone use
• Not wearing a seat belt
‘5 in 5’ represents the next generation of road safety education, combining immersive technology, behavioural science and practical life-saving messages to help young drivers.
The NFCC Prevention Awards ceremony is due to take place on 26 November in South Gloucestershire.
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