Guiding framework for driver assessment using driving simulators

Abstract

Driving simulators are powerful tools for use in research and applications concerned with the evaluation and improvement of driving performance. The value of this technology is contingent upon carefully considering the technical features of the simulator itself (e.g., type of visual display, vehicle control model), the development of appropriate hypothesis-motivated driving scenarios, and the selection of meaningful outcome measures with respect to the questions being addressed and the populations of interest. The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute's iDAPT Centre for Rehabilitation Research recently developed DriverLab, a 7 degrees-of-freedom, motion-based simulator, containing a passenger vehicle, 360 degree visual projection screen, and unique rain and glare simulators (www.idapt.com). To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the research conducted within this unique facility, a workshop was organized during which experts across several fields (academia, clinical, industry, government) met in four separate groups to discuss four targeted themes including: (1) use of simulators for driving assessment; (2) effects of drugs on driving safety; (3) effects of automated vehicle technologies (AVTs; e.g., adaptive cruise control) on driving safety; and (4) techniques for mitigating simulator sickness. This paper describes the consensus achieved by the driving assessment group. The driving assessment group was specifically tasked with characterizing the role of driving simulators in assessing driving performance across a range of applications and populations including individuals with sensory, motor, or cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders and neurological disorders. The group includes experts in driving evaluations of medically-at-risk drivers (Hyde); clinical assessment of fitness-to-drive (Hebert, Naglie, Law, Classen); and researchers studying the perceptual, cognitive, and emotional factors associated with driving performance and/or simulation design (Bédard, Classen, Campos, Hebert, Yung). The team also includes representation by government organizations that employ a large workforce of occupational drivers (Canada Post) and those involved in road safety initiatives.