Major driving simulation projects

Much of the simulation research program at MUARC involves projects that develop and evaluate training programs, evaluate attentional strategies of drivers and motorcyclists while driving and riding, and enhance in-vehicle system design for optimising usability and minimising distraction. MUARC’s extensive research program involves substantial national and international collaborations with other universities, government industry and consumer organisations, for example:

Young driver CD-ROM training package

A very important application for the MUARC driving simulator has been the research program associated with the development of a young driver CD-ROM training package, designed to improve the development of high-order skills in inexperienced drivers. A large number of experiments were conducted to develop this CD-ROM product. Subsequently, the simulator was used in an extensive evaluation of this training package which demonstrated its effectiveness. This training package is available to all novice drivers in Victoria, and has aroused significant international interest.

Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)

The MUARC driving simulator has been an important facility in investigating the benefits of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA). ISA has been demonstrated to provide significant improvements in driver adherence to speed limits for both experienced and inexperienced drivers without imposing an added load on the driver. In this case, the simulator work has supported the on-road evaluation studies. Our ISA work has enjoyed considerable attention from state road authorities in Australia, notably Western Australia and Victoria, where related policy initiatives are being contemplated. Along with Swedish evaluations, the MUARC intelligent speed adaptation research and evaluation is recognised internationally as providing a solid endorsement of this technology as a major road safety development.

Driver distraction research

In the area of driver distraction, research conducted on the simulator has demonstrated the significant decrements in performance that result from driver interaction with entertainment systems, text messaging and mobile phones. The effect of distractions external to the car has also been evaluated. A new car rear brake light system has been evaluated using the advanced simulator and this work demonstrated the efficacy of producing added cues concerning heavy braking.

Drug and alcohol research

The MUARC driving simulator was used in a 3-year study examining the effects of alcohol and cannabis on inexperienced and experienced drivers, relating impairment in driving performance with drug levels and performance on impairment tests used by police in Victoria, and worldwide. This research documented the impairing effects of cannabis on driving skills and was used by the Victorian Government to introduce random drug testing for drugs including cannabis in 2004.

Vision impairment and fitness-to-drive

Vision is fundamental to driving, providing 90 to 95 percent of all sensory input in the driving environment. Many individuals have visual conditions that may compromise driving performance, yet the basis of driving errors in many vision conditions, particularly those associated with visual field loss, remains poorly understood.

The project on Vision Impairment and Fitness to Drive aims to examine the role of vision as a risk factor to people with specific visual conditions (Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Hemianopic or quadrantanopic visual field loss and Retinitis Pigmentosa). Research tasks include an analysis of current practice and extent of problem (Task 1); driving simulator experiments to identify and describe their driving performance (Task 2); and looking at suitable countermeasures to address their needs to continue driving (Task 3).