A historical perspective of the use of driving simulators in road safety research

Abstract

The use of driving simulators in their present form is a relatively recent phenomenon in behavioral research. This technology evolved from simple mechanical and video devices by adapting newer technologies. Driving simulators provide a task which mimics real driving while at the same time allowing for a level of experimental control which would be impossible in a real traffic environment, enabling researchers to assess driving performance under dangerous conditions and test the effects of new in-vehicle and roadway technologies before they are actually implemented. This chapter describes the evolution of the use of driving simulators in traffic and road safety research during the past twenty five years and will concentrate on two specific aspects of this development. First, the different types of simulators that have been employed as research tools during this period will be analyzed. Second, the research topics that have been studied using this technology will be examined.