The idea of being taught to drive in a simulator as well as behind the wheel will be investigated as part of a new QUT study aimed at reducing the crash rates of young drivers.
QUT’s Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) is calling for newly licensed drivers living in the Southern Downs to take part in an online survey to gauge their views of using a driving simulator as a training tool.
CARRS-Q researcher Alana Hawkins said novice drivers were at highest risk of being involved in a crash, with the crash risk greatest in the first six to 12 months of solo driving.
“While crash rates have steadily declined over recent decades, young drivers continue to die at rates that far exceed those of older more experienced drivers,” Ms Hawkins said.
“In Queensland about one in five people who die on the road are aged 17 to 24.
“Although young people are inexperienced when it comes to driving on the road, we should not accept that this inevitably leads to an increased involvement in crashes.”
Ms Hawkins said the results of the study would be used in the development of a driver education strategy incorporating the use of a driving simulator.
“Driving simulators are a potentially useful training tool for novice driver training and education as it offers the potential to develop and practice a range of skills without any crash risk or the distraction of maintaining control of a vehicle.”
She said using a driving simulator was today a practical option as there were a range of cost-effective real car interfaces available which could be used on a standard computer.
“We are looking for 17 to 20 year old drivers who are on their learners, provisional or open licenses and who drive in the Southern Downs to provide firsthand information about what it is really like to learn to drive in this part of Queensland,” she said.
The area being targeted includes Toowoomba, Warwick, Allora, Killarney and Stanthorpe, with the region stretching along to the New South Wales border.
“There is no point developing a strategy that is not suitable for young adults who will actually be using it, so the opinion of new drivers is really important to us.”
To take part in the study or for more information, visit http://www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/warwick/
The first 150 participants to take part in the study will receive a $10 gift card.
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Sandra Hutchinson, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449 (Tue/Wed) or media@qut.edu.au
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