Driving simulators to evaluate road geometric design effects on driver behaviour: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Transportation Engineering
• Human Factors in Driving
• Road Safety Research

Background:

• Driver behavior is influenced by various factors, including road geometry.
• Understanding driver-roadway interaction is crucial for improving road design and traffic safety.
• Driving simulators offer a controlled environment to study driver responses to road design elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review driving simulator studies on the effects of road geometry on driver behavior.
• To identify current methodologies and key findings in this research area.
• To assess the potential of driving simulators in addressing road safety research gaps.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• Eleven databases were searched for studies published over six years.
• Studies focusing on horizontal curves were included to extend the analysis period.

Main Results:

• Significant heterogeneity was found in measured variables and experimental reporting, precluding meta-analysis.
• A lack of standardization in experimental procedures was identified as a potential issue.
• Studies adhering to good experimental practices revealed driver performance effects not found in others.

Conclusions:

• Driving simulators are valuable tools for investigating driver responses to road geometry.
• Standardization of experimental protocols is essential for reliable and comparable results in driving simulator research.
• Further research using standardized methods can enhance road safety through improved design based on driver behavior insights.