Driving Simulator Validation for Speed Research on a Horizontal Curve

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a validation study of the fixed-base driving simulator of the Transportation Research Institute. The main objective of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the driving simulator as a tool for speed research on a horizontal curve on a two-lane rural road. Speed was collected at seven measurement points on this horizontal curve study area in the real world. This location was rebuilt in the driving simulator environment by use of the procedure called geo-specific database modeling. In total, 42 volunteers (24 men) participated in the study. The results of the comparative Z-test and ANOVA analysis did not reveal any relative or absolute validity for the measurement points, except for the point 48m after the curve where absolute validity was obtained. In general, the speeds recorded in real life were significantly higher than the speeds observed in the driving simulator for all other points. Although no absolute or relative validity is obtained (based on the statistical analysis), there are some indications that a fixed-base driving simulator (with a similar simulator equipment compared to the driving simulator used in this study) can be used for driving speed research in a horizontal curve environment. Additionally, the subjective evaluation (questionnaire) indicated a realistic driving experience. In conclusion, the findings of this study should be carefully taken into account for future driving simulator speed research in the vicinity of horizontal curves on a two-lane rural road.