Speed Perception Fidelity in a Driving Simulator Environment

Abstract

Speed is a basic parameter of traffic operations, a critical element of traffic safety, and as a result remains the focus of myriad research efforts. The emergence of driving simulator technology has advanced traditional transport research efforts; however the level of fidelity associated with drivers’ speed perceptions in a fixed-base driving simulator environment warranted consideration. The current research effort evaluate the relationship between the driver speed selection and perception process in both real-world and simulated environments. To complete the study, a three mile open road loop course with roadways of varying functional classification and land use was replicated in the driving simulator in the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. As part of the evaluation, drivers completed both courses and were asked to report their perceived speed at 20 predetermined checkpoints, with the speed occluded. Researchers recorded both the driver-reported speed and the actual vehicle speed, to identify differences. A direct comparison between actual and perceived speeds and both environments was completed. The results are significant as they provide baseline performance measures for the application of simulator technology on future speed-related research efforts.