Why Simulation

Lehigh Valley Health Network conducted an extensive, four-year simulation study focused on the educational effectiveness of driving simulators. LVHN’s study confirmed that driving simulators using first-person, consequence-based training play a significant role in raising the knowledge about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving behaviors.  Read scholarly works and press release.

James Madison’s study confirms that driving simulators using first-person, consequence-based training may be a powerful tool to add to the arsenal of strategies designed to prevent distracted driving, which is a prevalent, unsafe behavior leading to unnecessary deaths.  Read press release.

According to Fleet Owner magazine, fleets can save money and experience better training using simulators for driver safety programs.  Read more here.

NHTSA states that “Driving simulators allow active learning by making it possible to give immediate feedback on driver performance. It is as close as a person can come to training on real roads with a licensed driving instructor, but without the crash risk.”

The ADTSEA states that behind-the-wheel instruction “should be integrated with driving simulation and/or driving instruction if available”. They also state that “traditional, fixed-based driving simulators provide a valuable tool in instruction, diagnosis of driver problems, remedial instruction and, practice in perceptual and procedural skills. Additionally, interactive driving simulators provide an equally valuable tool to enhance a driver education program.”

Findings from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training 2009 Driver Training Study indicate that driver training utilizing a driving simulator results in nearly a 10% reduction of traffic collisions.

“The study reported herein suggests that a low cost PC based simulator may have the potential of providing training in skills required for safe driving.”

“Providing the right training experience at the right time, to foster cognitive development resulting in situational awareness, is thus the challenge in training program development.  And this is where appropriate simulation presents unique advantages as a complement to traditional classroom and behind-the-wheel techniques to enhance novice driver training.”

“Most trainers feel that simulator training validates defensive driving techniques taught in the classroom.  All respondents believe that the simulator training provides an excellent opportunity to experience a hazardous situation without actually being in a hazardous situation.”