Virtual reality fairs in Guayaquil, costing nearly $3 million since 2019, have not successfully reduced the number of traffic accident victims despite ongoing contracts for more services.
Since 2019, the Municipal Public Transit and Mobility Company of Guayaquil has invested nearly $3 million in fairs featuring simulators and virtual reality glasses, aimed at educating the public about traffic safety. However, despite these efforts, there has been no significant decrease in the number of traffic accident victims in the city. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such initiatives in addressing the ongoing issue of road safety.
Currently, the city's transit authority is in the process of contracting this service for an additional $1 million, which suggests a continued commitment to the strategy, yet also highlights a potential misallocation of resources if the expected outcomes are not being achieved. Local authorities may need to evaluate the impact and efficiency of these programs and consider alternative measures to enhance road safety.
Critics may argue that while the investment in technology and modern education approaches is noteworthy, the lack of tangible results indicates a disconnect between investment and real-world improvements. Enhanced public awareness campaigns, stricter law enforcement, or infrastructure changes could potentially yield better results in reducing traffic accidents and saving lives in Guayaquil.
