New VicRoads iPhone app crashes into App Store

David Swan
Sunday, 06 September 2009 10:19

Your IT - Entertainment

Mr Shelton said that today there is a lot of new technology in vehicles such as navigation devices and multi-purpose mobile phones. 
 
“As life gets busier, the mobile phone has become one device that so many people can’t live without.  And despite being dangerous and illegal, many drivers continue to use their hand held mobile phones while driving.’
 
“The graphics on the game are the best being offered as an iPhone app. at the moment.  So we hope that people enjoy playing the game as well as understanding the important road safety message,” he said. 
 
Mr Shelton said that young drivers are involved in casualty crashes at three times the rate of more experienced drivers, and car crashes kill more young people than any other cause.
 
“Each year over 2000 people between the ages of 18 to 25 are killed or seriously injured on Victorian roads.  Young drivers make up about one third of the Victorian road toll. 
 
The game is designed to be played when people have spare time, and obviously not while driving (not only would it be almost impossible to do so but it would also be illegal). It is also suitable for young people who might be applying for their licence or learning to drive, but not yet be taking to the wheel themselves, explained Mr Shelton.
 
“To play the game, a person needs to use the whole iPhone as a steering wheel, using both hands. Playing the game, or using a mobile phone for any other purpose than taking or receiving a call hands-free, while driving is illegal and dangerous, he said.
 
It remains to be seen just how popular the app becomes and if it will hit the top downloads list, as educational software is typically unpopular with teenagers. This may prove untrue, however, with Vicroads’ app, as the game does feature some fast driving and decent graphics, things that will hold some appeal, however limited.

From Monday 7 September 2009, a fleet of specially equipped trailers will be touring Melbourne and regional centres (including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo) which will allow people to play CityGT using WiFi on large screens. 
 
To find out the locations of the trailers and for more information about this road safety initiative visit the corporate website at citygt.vicroads.vic.gov.au.