Driver performance on curves using a driving simulator

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20000005

We investigated drivers' behavior and physiological measures while driving on curves with radii of 250 meters. Our investigation included recording eye movements while driving on curves to determine the gaze patterns when making left and right curves. The Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) was recorded to monitor simulator sickness. Measurement of GSR was also used to reveal the physiological reaction to dangerous events. The experiment focused on driving on roads with left and right curves with and without clothoids. Clothoids are the family of spirals whose curvature is linearly related to its curve length. The car's course consisted of a succession of straight-line and curve sections. We focused on how drivers' gaze pattern change while driving on left and right curves (with clothoids and without clothoids). Our research was done on a driving simulator with a fixed base in one condition, and in the other condition the simulator had a turning seat, which reflected vehicle heading.