Collection of data related to driving hazards and unsafe conditions is dangerous and time consuming if done on actual highways or test tracks. Because of the changing nature of environmental conditions and traffic, it is impossible to maintain the full control of driving scenarios necessary for experimental precision. This can be accomplished safely and easily in a simulation laboratory designed to collect detailed measures of driver performance during high fidelity, realistic driving scenarios. A high fidelity driving simulator has been implemented at the Western Transportation Institute to support testing of driver performance and behavior in the safety and controlled environment of the laboratory. WTI selected and purchased a DriveSafety DS500C Vection simulator. This simulator features five visual channels providing approximately 140-degrees of view plus rear-view mirrors. The visual simulation allows the driver to drive through scenarios including rural and urban roadways, buildings, traffic signs and signals, other vehicles, trees, rain, snow, fog, darkness, and even animals in the roadway. Auditory displays provide a realistic sound environment. A driving cab contains the driver seat and all fully functional displays and controls. An automated performance measurement system collects a broad range of data on the driver's control inputs and performance. An operator station allows the researcher to program and control the research scenarios. This report describes the criteria by which this model of simulator was selected, describes the process of installation and initial operation, describes the activities necessary to initiate a program of driver performance research, and provides a summary of critical lessons that should be taken into account by other organizations considering such an investment. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting