THE USE OF DRIVING SIMULATORS IN DRIVER TRAINING AND TESTING Introduction of Driving Simulator The latest and modern driving simulators are not video or arcade games, but are sophisticated educational tools that can be used for teaching and research in driving. They incorporate the reality of computerized visualisation and actual automotive equipment. Driving performance characteristics are based on real vehicle performance. Other vehicles in the driving environment are programmed to react the same as real vehicles on real highways. Most importantly car-driving simulator programmes are designed to educate the user about his car, his driving strategy, the road transportation system, and his own driving abilities. The Eca Faros training simulation systems feature a specific Driver Education Curriculum that is recommended by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This system was developed using the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) programme and the TRAINER, a suggested driver training system that was developed for use in the European Community. Driving simulator is a computerised device that allows us to place a student in a situation that resembles real driving. The student controls the commands which are the same as those of a real car. With the development of the computer-generated image it is now possible to recreate complete environments which are entirely interactive. The computer recreates an entirely virtual landscape and vehicles within which the student can move with complete freedom. In addition to this, our simulator includes specific lessons on how the car works and training for the best driving strategies. It is a step-by-step educational approach that permits the student to experiment with driving techniques in a stress-free and risk free situation. Furthermore, it tests the student’s understanding of what has been learnt. Technology for Effective Learning Eca Faros driving simulators are unique driver training simulators which allow students/trainees to experience real life traffic situations safely on-demand and at significantly lower cost. Eca Faros simulators combine leading edge technologies in order to impart a near-life driving experience without the risk of on the road driver training. Training on Eca Faros simulators comprehensively complement practical driving lessons. A student/trainee learns the basic vehicle handling and control skills on Eca Faros simulators before starting practical lessons in a car. A built-in virtual instructor guides the student/trainee through lessons, from basic controls of a vehicle to development of driving skills required for difficult driving conditions. At the end of training, students/trainees receive detailed assessment of their performance. Advantages and Benefits of Simulators in Driver Training The potential advantages and benefits of the use of driving simulators for training and testing include the following: • Safety – especially for the practice of otherwise dangerous manoeuvres • Scenario versatility – creation of particular operational situations that may otherwise be unavailable (e.g. weather or roadway conditions). • Standardisation – scenarios developed for specific instructional objectives, and organised to ensure that all students are exposed to each learning activity. • Repeatability – lessons or tests can be replayed to permit extra practice and skill mastery. • Sophisticated performance measurement – recording and analysing trainee performance in more precise and qualitative ways. • Efficiency – more training events can occur in a given time period. • It can decrease the anxiety of the student; the training is better than in a real environment, which can sometimes be very stressing. • It can help to visualise things which one cannot see in a real vehicle (operation of the clutch, operation of the breaking or power steering system) • Because the driving environment is entirely controlled, it makes it possible to concentrate on one teaching objective at a time. • It makes it possible to follow a progression established in advance and to carry out evaluation in a methodical way. • Simulators can be used to train students in night driving without actually being on the road at night • Simulators can increase or decrease traffic density according to the level of experience of the student • While simulation cannot and should not be used to completely replace driving in a real car, the hours spent on the simulator can reduce the number of hours the student needs to spend in a real car on the road. • Saves time and expense for petrol/diesel, oil, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. • Using a simulator reduces the risk to both the instructor and the student and avoids the risk of accidents with other road users. • For certain unpleasant aspects of teaching, like training of commands, acquisition of certain reflexes, the simulator permits the instructor to spend more time on behavioural aspects, attitude and responsibility with respect to other users. • The simulator can measure precisely the reaction times of the driver.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:29:49 +0000
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