The Use of a Full-Scale Driving Simulator in Evaluating Driver Comprehension of Traffic Signals

Driving simulation provides a vastly improved mechanism for conducting driver behavior and comprehension research. Presently, at least 40 known driving simulators are located at research institutes throughout the world. Although research conducted in the actual driving environment is considered to be optimal, the use of a driving simulator allows for multiple variables and scenarios to be evaluated in a timely and cost effective manner without losing the field credibility. Driving simulation places drivers in a fully interactive dynamic scenario just as if they were actually driving. This paper describes a driver behavior analysis conducted using a full-scale dynamic driving simulator as a tool for evaluating driver comprehension of protected/permitted left-turn (PPLT) signal displays.