Driving simulators have become a key tool for understanding and improving driver performance and safety. They offer a unique combination of realism and control, allowing researchers to systematically study driving behaviour and develop measures to reduce accidents and improve driver education.
- Increased safety and training efficiency: Driving simulators are very important in assessing the safety effects of new vehicle technologies and changes on the roads before they are implemented in the real world. They provide insights into driver behaviour and performance in controlled situations, identifying potential road safety problems and contributing to safer transport systems.
- Improved driving test performance: Research shows that performance on driving simulators can predict real-world driving test results. Training on simulators is associated with better results in driving tests, underlining their role in effective driver education.
- Assessing driver distraction and workload: Simulators are key to understanding how different types of distractions affect driving performance. They allow the study of the impact of cognitive load on driver behaviour, which contributes to the development of strategies to mitigate distraction-related accidents.
- Training and assessment of novice drivers: Systematic reviews suggest that simulator-based training of novice drivers could potentially reduce the number of road accidents by providing a risk-free environment for gaining driving experience. However, more research is needed to definitively establish their effectiveness in improving real-world driving safety.
- Evaluating drug and alcohol impairment: Driving simulators offer a safe and controlled environment to study the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving performance, supporting the development of policies and interventions aimed at reducing drink-driving.
Driving simulators play a key role in improving our understanding of driver behaviour, assessing the impact of distractions and improving road safety through advanced training and assessment methods. Although further research is needed to fully exploit their potential, the positive effects of driving simulators on drivers are clear and they are a valuable asset in the drive for safer roads.
