Both the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London (TfL) have launched a virtual reality video to highlight ‘Dooring,’ incidents.

The video is part of the European Day Without A Road Death (E.D.W.A.R.D) project on September 26.

The video is aimed at warning drivers, cyclists and motorbike users about the dangers of passengers and drivers who open their car doors as cyclists and motorbike riders are approaching their vehicles – which is also referred to as ‘dooring’.

Tony Mannakee, a Met Inspector from the RTPC said: “Most people will be aware to look out for cyclists and motorbike riders when they are driving; checking their blind spots and leaving plenty of room between vehicle and bike.

“The purpose of this new video is to remind people that even though you may have stopped your vehicle and have parked it on the road, the dangers are still there.

“Something as simple as ‘dooring’ can cause life-changing injuries to cyclists and it’s an act that can be so easily avoided by taking a few extra seconds to check surroundings and making sure that no cyclists are passing your vehicle.”

Between 2011 and 2015 the Department for Transport revealed that at least 3,108 people were injured through ‘dooring,’ and eight people had been killed as a result.

Despite the majority of injuries occurring with cyclists – a report published by Cycling UK also revealed that around 34 motorcyclists were seriously injured and around 280 motorcyclists were slightly injured during the same period.

As well as launching the new VR video, officers from the roads command are implementing a focused day of action tackling dangerous drivers on more than 100 priority roads within the Met’s jurisdiction.

Mandy McGregor, Head of Policing and Community Safety at TfL, said: “Project EDWARD is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the trauma caused by road death and serious injury.

"We are absolutely committed to eliminating death and serious injury and as part of this, we are working closely with the police to raise awareness of issues such as car dooring, which can seriously injure people cycling, as well as tackling those who drive dangerously and carelessly.

"As part of our Vision Zero approach, we’re working hard to ensure that every day goes ahead without a road death.”