A new state government-funded high-tech driving simulator will allow researchers to get behind the wheel and test new road designs before they’re even built.
Based at University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Centre for Road Safety Research, the one-of-a-kind simulator will enable researchers to test the safety of new road designs.
Jointly funded by the Road Safety Commission ($450,000), Main Roads WA ($160,000) and UWA ($100,000), the simulator will provide new opportunities for researchers to study a wide range of road safety issues with a high degree of realism, including:
- testing new road layouts;
- assessing driver distraction from roadside advertising;
- studying at risk groups such as young and older drivers; and
- testing the impact of the use of drugs, fatigue, and alcohol on driving skills.
“Testing new road initiatives before they are implemented will save both time and money, enabling us to mitigate risks and cost effectively utilise our resources to make Western Australian roads safer and more efficient,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.