Systematic Review of Driving Simulator Validation Studies

Driving simulators are a common tool for researching driver behavior, providing practical, safe, and controlled environments. Despite their frequent use in research, there is relatively little evidence confirming their validity (i.e., how accurately they represent or reproduce real-world driving). Moreover, there is inconsistency in both the types of simulators used, and the operationalization of “real-world” driving in validations. This systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the evidence regarding driving simulator accuracy when compared with real-world driving. The review included 44 studies reporting a direct comparison between simulated driving and on-road driving in a vehicle. Measures reported for comparison varied but included mean speed, speed variability, lateral position, overall driving performance, and number of driving errors. Simulators in approximately half of the studies achieved absolute or relative validity, whereas one third produced non-valid results. To understand this further, the fidelity of simulators was considered, however this further clouded the understanding as the relationship between simulator fidelity and validity was not straightforward. The findings suggest that the reporting of driving simulator studies requires improvement, particularly around the validation evidence associated with the simulator, the specific details of the simulated driving environment, and the outputs of statistical analyses. Guidelines are proposed for future research to ensure consistency in the conduct, and reporting, of simulator-based research.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.04.004
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753518320459
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09257535
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Wynne, Rachael A
  • Beanland, Vanessa
  • 0000-0003-2623-1141
  • Salmon, Paul M
• Publication Date: 2019-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 138-151
• Serial:
  • Safety Science
  • Volume: 117
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0925-7535
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09257535

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Drivers; Driving simulators; Research; Validity
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01703267
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 29 2019 9:25AM