TITLE:

“Can the Driving Simulators Contribute to Solving the Critical Issues in Geometric Design?” - TRB Paper No. 09-0152 version 2

ABSTRACT:

This paper draws attention to the fact that driving simulation in virtual reality has not been suggested as a useful technique for solving critical issues in geometric design by strategic documents regarding recommendations for a geometric design research program in the future. However, in recent years, several research efforts have demonstrated driving simulators’ usefulness in the road design process. The objective of this paper is therefore to initiate a discussion on the effective contribution of driving simulators regarding issues of geometric design. The paper gives an overview on the main experiences acquired in geometric design using advanced driving simulators, pointing out their potential as well as limits. It then outlines the critical issues in promoting their use in geometric design, as well as provides recommendations for overcoming these issues.

Left to Right:  Francesco Bella, Tom Furlani  -  PHOTO Courtesy of Frank Broen, Teach America, Inc.