Enhancing Speed Perception in Virtual Environments Through Training

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which training can improve the speed perception of drivers in simulated environments. Seventy-two participants completed one of two driving simulator studies involving following a lead vehicle travelling at an unknown speed. Twenty-four subjects completed a training exercise to provide feedback at various speeds. The drivers who completed these short training exercises provided significantly better speed estimates without the aid of the speedometer during the driving trial. Given the close relationship between vehicle speed and many of the performance measures used in driving simulator studies, there may be a strong benefit in taking time to acclimate study participants to the how various speeds appear in a simulated environment. This can be done in a very short period of time, even as part of common procedures to acclimate the driver to the simulated environment.