The main purpose of the TRAINER project is to develop a new cost-effective Pan-European driver training methodology, based on computer based interactive multimedia and simulator technology, which will pay significant attention not only to gain experience of driving and handling the car, but also to the enhancement of risk awareness of learners drivers. For this purpose three different simulation tools will be developed. Each set will consist of a multimedia info-box and a low-cost/medium-cost driving simulator. A number of scenarios for application in the different simulation environments will be developed, which addresses the most important needs of learner drivers. They have been structured in accordance with the four hierarchical levels of the GADGET-matrix: Level 4. Goals for life and skills for living; Level 3. Goals and context of driving; Level 2. Mastering traffic situations; and Level 1. Vehicle manoeuvring. In order to be able to assess the TRAINER tools impact on traffic safety, not only a set of driver performance pilots needs to be performed but also another set of pilots. In these pilots driver behaviour, i.e. what the driver in fact does, in a critical scenario should be measured. However, the drivers' behaviour is not only influenced by his / her driving performance skills, but also on the hazard perceptual abilities of the driver. Hence, based on the assumption that driving skills is controlled for by the driver performance pilots, the results from the traffic safety impact pilots will address the question on whether or not increased hazard perception has been achieved by use of the TRAINER tools. In order to get a valid and reliable measurement of driver behaviour, the driver must be able to be exposed to what he or she perceives as a potential hazard and be able to react accordingly. At the same time dangerous behaviour must not result in real world accidents or damage. For these reasons conducting driving simulator experiments offers the best solution, although a 100 per cent validity can not be expected. However, performing part of the assessment in real traffic environment, while assessing visual search strategies, can reduce this lack of validity with respect to real traffic behaviour, by measuring eye movements. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD no 207828. The reprints are also available at the web - http://www.vti.se/pdf/reports/K18APart1.pdf; http://www.vti.se/pdf/reports/K18APart2.pdf and http://www.vti.se/pdf/reports/K18APart3.pdf.
Samenvatting