Simulation lab at Ohio State offers way to study driver distraction
A new $1.3 million Ohio State University driving simulation laboratory, partly funded by Honda R&D Americas, will help researchers study driver distraction and how to prevent it.
We are looking at factors beyond the conventional aspects of the driver-vehicle interface to truly understand the psychological and cognitive aspects of driver behavior, says Steven Feit, chief engineer at Honda R&D Americas.
The lab could be useful to automakers when, as expected, NHTSA announces guidelines this fall to ensure that drivers dont become too distracted by entertainment and navigation systems in cars. Automakers will need to test the systems in a driving simulator to ensure compliance.
A vehicle frame mounted on a platform with six degrees of motion will give people in the simulator a sense of motion similar to that of riding in a car.
The lab will allow researchers to study how particular groups, such as teenagers and the elderly, may differ in the way they respond to different driving situations.
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