National Highways, the government agency responsible for the UK's major roads, is using a virtual reality simulation to test whether drivers are distracted by low-flying drones. The drones, which could be deployed above motorways by early 2027, are designed to monitor the condition of the country's 4,500 miles of motorways and A-roads.
Virtual reality test on driver distraction
Participants in the simulation drive at 70mph, swerving between lanes as cars speed past, in a life-like environment created by VR company MXT. The test, however, is not about driving skills but about assessing if drones flying at lower altitudes—between 10 and 20 metres—distract drivers. Currently, larger drones operate at about 50 metres above the road surface.
The simulations have taken place in London, Manchester, and Birmingham over a month. Participants are initially told it is a standard road safety test, with drones only mentioned afterward. They are then asked if they noticed the drones and how much they felt affected their driving.
Measurable metrics and initial findings
Beyond participant testimony, the test measures heart rate, pupil dilation, time spent not looking directly ahead, speed, and steering control. One participant, Kevin McKeown, 49, found the VR experience "a bit jarring" but did not believe the drones caused problems. "If you can get distracted by a drone flying 10 metres overhead then I think you've got bigger issues than just a drone," he said.
According to National Highways, about half of the 120 regular drivers and 19 heavy goods vehicle drivers who participated noticed the drones, but significantly fewer considered them "hazardous" or "dangerous."
Global interest and future applications
Ewan Murdoch, a senior consultant at Arup, which collaborated with National Highways on the tests, said results could influence drone use for highway maintenance worldwide. "We've had some interest from colleagues in Australia and the US," Murdoch said. "This methodology is quite interesting and novel, so globally we're seeing strong interest."
Callum Brown, senior adviser on airspace standards at National Highways, described the tests as "cutting edge" and a world first for national application. "They did some tests similar to this in Massachusetts," Brown said. "But in terms of trying to apply this nationally, this is a world first. We've been building to this for about six years."
The smaller drones are also about 10 times cheaper than larger ones and can capture more detailed images, making them a cost-effective tool for road maintenance.
