Abstract Introduction This study is aimed at validating a driving simulator (DS) for the study of driver behavior in work zones. A validation study requires field data collection. For studies conducted in highway work zones, the availability of safe vantage points for data collection at critical locations can be a significant challenge. A validation framework is therefore proposed in this paper, demonstrated using a fixed-based DS that addresses the issue by using a global positioning system (GPS). Methods The validation of the DS was conducted using objective and subjective evaluations. The objective validation was divided into qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The DS was validated by comparing the results of simulation with the field data, which were collected using a GPS along the highway and video recordings at specific locations in a work zone. The constructed work zone scenario in the DS was subjectively evaluated with 46 participants. Results The objective evaluation established the absolute and relative validity of the DS. The mean speeds from the DS data showed excellent agreement with the field data. The subjective evaluation indicated realistic driving experience by the participants. Practical applications The use of GPS showed that continuous data collected along the highway can overcome the challenges of unavailability of safe vantage points especially at critical locations. Further, a validated DS can be used for examining driver behavior in complex situations by replicating realistic scenarios.
Highlights Validation framework of a driving simulator (DS) using a GPS is presented. Addresses unavailability of safe vantage points at critical data collection sites. Validation conducted using both objective and subjective evaluations. Objective evaluation establishes absolute and relative validity of driving simulator. For a work zone, DS mean speeds showed excellent agreement with the field data.
Driving simulator validation of driver behavior with limited safe vantage points for data collection in work zones
Journal of Safety Research ; 49 ; 53.e1-60
2014-02-24
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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