Lack of correspondence between reality and the simulator model of is one of the criticisms made regarding the use of simulators. The operational strategy of the driver is likely to change in the absence of `critical cues'. One of these cues is speed. the greatest distortion arises from the absence of a moving base but the poverty of the visual environment also contributes to distortion. Speed control is an important factor in the general control strategy of a driver. Speed control is a compromise between mobility and safety goals. it is greatly influenced by environmental factors. It is important to make a distinction between the possible causes and possible effects of spontaneous speed adjustments. Studies of these causes and effects are highly dependent on task simulation. Although lack of speed cues may have a quantitative effect on observed speed level, it does not impair qualitative studies of the importance of speed control for the performance of subject. For comments on this paper, see C 6524.
Abstract