Driving simulators, crucial tools in road safety research, are increasingly used to test and refine traffic interventions before their real-world application. The research driving simulator, a sophisticated setup that simulates actual driving conditions, allows researchers to systematically assess the effects of new traffic control measures, signage, and road layouts on driver behavior, safety, and traffic flow efficiency.

Recent research has shown that driving simulators can test traffic interventions. Simulators are used to test roadway safety using dynamic speed limits. Traffic density, weather, and time of day affected speed restrictions in researchers’ scenarios. Results showed that dynamic speed limits could lower accident frequency and severity, especially in locations with abrupt driving conditions.

Another novel use of driving simulators is to evaluate road signage and its capacity to inform stressed drivers. When built with adequate color contrasts and succinct messaging, variable message signs, which can alter displays according to traffic conditions or accidents ahead, dramatically improved drivers’ reaction times and reduced cognitive load in simulated tests.

Driving simulations have also helped test in-vehicle warning systems. These technologies, which warn drivers of lane departures and traffic congestion, were honed through several road simulations. These simulations helped make alert mechanisms intuitive and less distracting, improving accident prevention.

Driving simulations have helped urban planners build more effective traffic roundabouts and intersections. Researchers found designs that minimize confusion and maximize traffic throughput by simulating various designs and traffic flow conditions. Multi-lane roundabouts with different approaches and exit angles were tested to find the best layouts to reduce lane switching and accidents and improve traffic flow.

Environmental effects on driver behavior have also been widely studied using driving simulators. Simulated dense fog and heavy rainfall have been used to study how visibility and slick roads affect drivers’ speed and following distances. These studies helped design weather-responsive traffic management systems that change speed limits and signal timings to improve road safety in bad weather.