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MUARC equipped to test drivers

12 March 2008

The Monash University Accident Research Centre has acquired a new portable driving simulator.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has enjoyed a major boost to its driver-testing capabilities.

MUARC has acquired one of the world's most advanced portable driving simulators, the EF-X, which is the first of its kind in Australia.

The portable simulator features state-of-the-art 3D visuals that create an exceptionally detailed driving simulation which replicates the full range of driving conditions including night, rain, fog and bright sunlight.

The first major project involving the portable simulator will focus on testing the skills of drivers aged 65 and over -- whose numbers are set to more than double on Australian roads in the next 30 years.

MUARC has also announced a major upgrade to its most advanced driving simulator, which has been based at MUARC's Clayton headquarters since 1998, to make it one of the most sophisticated in the world.

The simulator's data has played a major role in many important road safety initiatives. The upgrade will include significant improvements to the simulator's technical capabilities, computer technology and driving simulation reality.

Professor Brian Fildes, MUARC Chair of Road Safety, said the new portable simulator and the simulator upgrade would enable researchers to collect better data on the behaviour of Australian drivers than ever before.

"This will further support MUARC's reputation as the largest and most influential injury prevention centre in the Southern Hemisphere," Professor Fildes said.