Public Funding for Esitu Solutions Ltd

Esitu Solutions is a spinout company from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), specialising in hazard perception assessments and training modules for fleet drivers. The current HGV driver shortage in the haulage industry is a problem that touches everyone, and the Government is implementing a range of measures to increase driver numbers. Unfortunately, several of these measures (e.g., fast-track training, encouraging former drivers to return to the job) also carry with them the risk of reduced safety on UK roads. We believe this could be offset by training drivers in advanced hazard perception skills. We want to create an engaging course that will be acceptable to fleet managers and count towards their legally-required number of training hours for their HGV drivers. We have already created hazard tests for HGV drivers that can be presented inside virtual reality headsets, and now we want to expand our materials to a full 7-hour course to meet the requirements for accreditation within the industry. Through the development of new 360-degree content, and the creation of classroom-based activities to support VR use, we believe we can create a course that reinvigorates the HGV training industry and provides a genuine opportunity to improve road safety. Our course will be based on academic research conducted by Nottingham Trent University, and will draw on other research from around the world. All video materials are recorded from HGVs on real roads, providing a true perspective for drivers in the VR headsets, and ensuring that our hazards reflect those that HGV drivers encounter on a daily basis.

Everyone who wants to gain a driving license must sit the UK hazard perception test. Learners watch a series of driving videos and press a button as soon as they see a hazard. While the evidence suggests the introduction of this test has reduced UK collisions, there are many problems with it. The main issue is that you must press within a certain (subjectively-derived) time window to score points. Many complain however that they see the hazard so early that they press too soon -before the scoring window has opened- and score zero points. This problem carries-over into hazard training -- there are several mobile apps and online providers that purport to train you in hazard perception skills, but most often they are training drivers in when to press the button (i.e. how to beat the test) rather than training real hazard awareness. Other problems include the fact that motorcyclists, HGV drivers and bus drivers all must do this same test -- with clips displaying the view as if _driving a car._ But driving a car is very different to an HGV and a motorcycle! Is it fair or effective to measure the hazard skills of professional drivers in this way? We argue that these problems render hazard perception training and testing inappropriate for the UK commercial fleet market. Instead we have developed an alternative test and training format that we call _hazard prediction._ Our published evidence has demonstrated that our _hazard prediction_ tests outperform traditional _hazard perception_ tests in differentiating safe from less-safe drivers. It is also viewed as more transparent and fairer by people who undertake it. We currently have over 200 clips that we have developed for a variety of vehicles and jobs, and recently we have expanded into creating 360-degree hazard tests that are presented in VR headsets. We want to expand our range of 360 clips targeting the fleet market (HGV and van drivers) and create a software suite that will allow customers to access a turn-key system for hazard prediction assessment and training via computer and through VR-headsets. The additional content, plus dedicated software delivery system, will allow us to supply a variety of customers including fleet managers, training providers and insurance companies. The revenue received will support the continual development and expansion of assessment and training materials, with the aim of providing effective, evidence-based tools to improve commercial road safety in the UK.