Citation

Ronen A, Yair N. Transp. Res. F Traffic Psychol. Behav. 2013; 18: 94-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trf.2012.12.007

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A crucial yet under researched component of most experimental protocols using a driving simulator is the accommodation or adaptation period prior to the initiation of experimental sessions. The most common techniques used for adaptation are driving for a predefined fixed time and/or using participants' own subjective sensation of adaptation. The main goal of the present study was to explore whether roads of different complexity and demand (curved, urban and straight) require different adaptation time and to examine the relationship between participants' subjective sensation of acclimation and objective driving performance measures. Forty-five experienced drivers, with no previous driving simulation experience participated. For each road type learning curves were calculated using five different driving performance measures. Subjective sensation of adaptation was estimated by a unique system utilizing a three step adaptation level model. Physiological measurements were collected to measure the physical demand and workload during the drive. Results indicated that roads with different characteristics require different time for adaptation. Specifically, the relatively demanding curved road required relatively longer adaptation times and showed the need for improvement in more performance measures in comparison to other two road types. Subjective estimations corresponded very closely with most performance measures in all road types but were under estimated for the more sensitive measures that required longer time for adaptation in each road type. It can be concluded that while sensation of adaptation can give a relatively good indication of adaptation for a variety of performance measures, it would be preferable if it is used in addition to multiple performance measures for an accurate assessment of the adaptation period necessary for each road type.