Implementing Driver Training Technology to Simulate Dangerous Conditions and Real World Hazards on the Road in a Safe Environment

Abstract Drivers need to be prepared for the demands of rapidly changing and extreme driving environmental and road conditions. This requires drivers to have exceptional levels of situational awareness, proactive evaluations, accurate responsiveness, and coordination. This paper describes how a company implemented technology to provide real-world driving training in a safe environment enabling drivers to practice advanced driving skills. The company implemented an instructor-controlled hydraulic system which can be attached to a variety of vehicles, with electronic stability control, to simulate situations where the driver has to regain control of the vehicle. This advanced simulation system is designed to meet the rigorous training needs of professional drivers by increasing competency, situational awareness, and muscle memory. The technology uses a portable platform to simulate a wide spectrum of real-world conditions from changing weather conditions to blind spots to sensory distractions. The technology provides the situational realism of oncoming cars or stopped traffic for practicing operating vehicles in emergency situations. This system is completely automatic and can be used to develop skills for accident avoidance, intersection clearing, or critical braking scenarios. The technology uses a real car on a paved road at the company's driving training facility. The instructor has the ability to make precise adjustments using an electronic controller to adjust the degree of the vehicle grip experienced by the driver. Variation of vehicle grip can be enabled for many different training environments and scenarios by the adjustment of front and rear grip settings individually. The technology is consistent, realistic and has helped optimized training costs by reducing in-vehicle training time and lowering associated risk. Competence is improved by allowing drivers to experience real vehicle dynamics, real emotion, and real-world physical responses. Using this technology allows the drivers to experience more than just sideways vehicle drift as the settings can be adjusted in real-time by the instructor when the vehicle is either stationary or moving, providing the drivers with a dynamic skill building experience. Driving is the greatest risk personnel face on a day-to-day basis. This driver training technology allows drivers to develop their emergency response reactions in a realistic manner while in a safe environment. Being under the supervision of a qualified trainer providing coaching and feedback helps the drivers develop their skills and reinforces safe habits behind the wheel.