Car simulator launched in Queensland

[AWD Chaser]

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/technolog...-in-queensland

Researchers hope an Australian-first driving simulator can reduce the road toll by providing data on how alcohol or sleep deprivation can affect driving skills.
The $1.5 million driving simulator, unveiled at Queensland's University of Technology on Friday, generates traffic congestion and incorporates sensors and warning systems.

QUT's associate professor Andry Rakotonirainy said the simulator was unique because it had the ability to incorporate different levels of traffic congestion.

"It's not only one of its kind in Australia, but it's the only one of its kind in the world," Prof Rakotonirainy said.

Studies being planned include driving while sleep deprived, drunk, and speaking on a mobile phone in varying traffic conditions.

Prof Rakotonirainy said a minimum of 40 cases was required to complete a study and a rail road crossings study would be the first.

"How quickly we compile a study depends on the availability of the participants," Prof Rakotonirainy said.

"We have to make sure we conduct all experiments in a safe manner, so if someone is sleep deprived we have to make sure we get them to and from the study safely."

QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety Queensland (CARRS)Q) director Professor Barry Watson said studying driver fatigue was a priority.

"For example, driver fatigue is recognised as one of the `fatal four' crash causes on our roads," he said.

"But to determine the impact of sleep loss on driving behaviour is difficult because it is unsafe to deprive people of sleep and then put them behind the wheel under real driving conditions," Prof Watson said.

"If we can recreate common yet potentially dangerous driving environments using simulation technology, then we can study how different people respond."

The driving simulator works by using eight computers, projectors and a platform capable of moving in three dimensions.

It incorporates a real Holden Calais vehicle, allowing the simulator to recreate realistic traffic situations.