Development of Virtual Reality-Based Driving Simulator for Assessing Digital Speed Feedback Signs

Speed feedback signs have been implemented in transportation systems for decades. They are a critical part of civil infrastructure and transportation systems. However, a lack of evidence is available to show whether they perform as expected to prevent drivers from potentially harmful behaviors. One reason is the risk for researchers to observe and record driver behaviors on road. Therefore, this study develops a simulator to enable researchers to record driver reactions in an experimental setting without jeopardizing other drivers on road. The simulator combines virtual reality (VR), data recording, steering wheel control, and virtual civil environment. The simulator can simulate virtual rural-urban environment with various road conditions and allow researchers to track participants' reactions to dynamic signs. The simulator tracks and records driver behaviors when they approximate to signs; and exports the records for data analysis.