Diageo has released a virtual reality (VR) video in order to strive for awareness on driving safely and the possible effects of drunk-driving. Diageo is one of the biggest names in the alcohol industry that owns brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff. The video was made possible in partnership with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The four-minute VR video offered a 360-degree view on the story of three cars. The first car was driven by a new set of parents. The second car was driven by a group of friends on their way to a party. Tthe third one was driven by a woman who just had a good time celebrating a career achievement with one too many drinks. A disastrous car crash happened after she attempted to overtake one of the other cars, but the woman survived.
According to a report by BBC, a British organization that operates as a consulting firm for agencies designing campaigns against drunk-driving and drug use passed judgment on the use of "scare tactics" in the video. However, organizations like UNITAR have backed this kind of approach.
In addition, Carole Whittingham of the Campaign against Drinking and Driving (CADD), an independent charity in the United Kingdom, said that scare tactics are effective. "Anything that makes people stop and think has got to be a good thing," she said. She added that it "could have gone further" on the idea that people are killed due to driving while drunk.
One can have full access to the video with no headset required. It was released through YouTube 360, Facebook 360 and a VR app together with The New York Times. It is also compatible with VR headsets, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Google Daydream and Google Cardboard.
