The Drive Square Simulation System™ is a driving simulator that enables a trainee to drive in a virtual space, while operating the controls of an actual vehicle. Using his/her own or an instructor's vehicle, the client drives onto a pair of turntables. Simulator sensors and actuators are quickly and non-invasively clipped on to the pedals and other applicable controls. A 360° panoramic view of the road and surrounding area is presented to the trainee via virtual reality goggles, the Head-Mounted Display (HMD). The scenery is computer-generated by a virtual reality simulation software running on the simulator's portable computer. The software receives data from the wheels and pedals of the vehicle to provide an extremely interactive experience recreating various driving situations. The driving simulator sets up in under 20 minutes at any parking space, providing a portable, cost-effective and easy-to-use driver training solution. More »

Driving Simulators for Driver Safety Education

Young adults ages 16-20 have the highest fatality and injury rates - 4 times of other age groups. Over 5,000 teenagers die in motor vehicle crashes every year. The main reason - driver error. These numbers suggest that additional young adult driver training and more practice in anticipating varying driving conditions will save lives. By combining innovative driver education with some entertainment elements, the Drive Square Simulation System™ promotes better training.

If your driving school provides driver training above and beyond just passing a driver’s license test, the Drive Square Simulator is the right tool for you. Training on a simulator is not about replacing scarce behind-the-wheel driving hours. It is about making safer drivers through exposure to hard to replicate experiences.

For example, one of the biggest problems is that newly-licensed drivers rarely look in the right spot to anticipate a possible hazard.

While working on a driving research project, Prof. Donald Fisher at the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) compared inexperienced and experienced drivers in a simple experiment. A driver was given the task of driving by a large truck parked at the curb in front of a crosswalk. The experienced drivers slowed down and looked at the front of the truck, anticipating the possibility of a pedestrian walking out. Only a fraction of newly-licensed drivers did the same.  More »

Most novice drivers are being told to look for potential hazards in the areas with obstructed view, but they forget it when it comes to actual driving. Driving on a simulator helps to demonstrate to them the mechanics of how a potential collision may happen and experience it first hand in the simulator. Repeated experiences can be used to reinforce the lesson.

In the real world such lesson may cost somebody’s life. However these scenarios can be clearly demonstrated and practiced on a driving simulator. A few other examples of situational awareness and risk management are:

• making a habit of scanning for pedestrians and other vehicles while approaching intersections
• passing maneuvers on undivided rural highways with oncoming traffic
• maneuvering in heavy traffic situations
• driving in poor visibility
• understanding adverse weather conditions and preventing skids on snow and ice

Such situations cannot be safely practiced behind the wheel, but they can be practiced on a simulator. Furthermore such driving scenarios can be consistently practiced by every student.

While actual behind-the-wheel driving can never be replaced, it cannot teach a student to correctly anticipate many road hazards in a typical (in the US) 6 hours time allotted for this.

Driver Safety training on the Drive Square Simulator is supported by the following software packages: STISIM, KMW.

Since Drive Square Simulators are the most versatile driving simulators on the market there are a few additional benefits to owning one:

When not using the simulator for driver training, take it to your local high school. You can set it up in front of the school in less than 20 minutes and give short 3-5 min demonstration sessions showing teenagers the dangers of drunk driving, driving and texting or a cell phone use. Kids love this simulator. The enrollment to your driving school will soar.

Wherever you go, the Simulator is a media magnet. Take a look at some of the news clips in the News section.

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Your local auto dealer may be able to provide you with a vehicle for the simulator if you take it to a community safety event, a mall or a trade show.

You can read about our research conducted with UMASS Human Performance Lab here. The research was sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC.

For pricing and additional information:
e-mail: sales@drivesquare.com or call 1-617-762-4013 x.2