Driving Simulators
Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by,
This week I would like to get your opinion on driving simulators. I have a teenager that is getting ready to begin driving and as you may well know. It is pretty dangerous out on the road nowadays. With all of the distractions that it definitely makes me worry. In my research for simulators I came across the following;
Take a look and let me know what you think.
https://www.driverinteractive.com/virtual-driving-essentials-demo/
This seems like a great way the fix the experience gap in teens by providing them realistic information and situations to maneuver in a safe place.
The question is do you think school driving programs should invest in things like this or something more simple like the driving simulators that are now in gaming systems?
Excited to hear your thoughts!
Walt
Walt,
ReplyDeleteI think simulators are good for practicing basic driving skills, check blind spots, proper braking, yielding to that old lady in a wheel chair...etc. But experience can not be fully replaced with simulations. A simulator can only show so many simulations with a million more that can be missed. I am also a firm believer how to change a tire should be part of receiving a drivers license. Good luck simulating that event.
v/r
Andy E.
Andy,
DeleteI can see your point on not being able to do everything in a simulator. Sometimes we also have to step back and see what we can do to enhance those things that may be missing. lets take for example a vehicle that is donated and is no longer drivable for any reason. Then it is converted into a tire change simulator. Which allows students to go through the techniques of changing a tire. They have to perform the following steps, set the parking brake. locate the spare tire, locate the proper tools, etc. But if it were not for input and ideas such as yours, these possibilities would not be sought after.
Thanks for your input!
Walt
Walt
ReplyDeleteI think this would be a great starter before letting teenagers out on the road. Pilots in aviation programs hit the simulator before taking to the air so to me it is logical that drivers could do the same. I am lucky to be in a state that requires teen drivers to complete formal instruction before letting them have a learners permit. Our driving lessons from the late 80s/90s of watching videos that were basically horror movies of driving cautionary tales does not work for kids today. We have to be more technologically advanced nowadays to engage learners to educate them on what they need. Thanks for the great blog.
Tammy
Walt,
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely some interesting tech, I have a 15 year old who just got his learners permit... He stresses me out! I think this simulations tech would be valuable if used in conjunction with hands on live practice. Simulations do not give you every feel, smell, sight, or detail. However, it gets you a feel for what to expect. Maybe there should be blocks of simulation testing to get done before handing them the keys. I think actual driving is the best experience, but simulations will help prepare them mentally. I mean we do send Soldiers to the EST before we send them to the range to qualify... Great post.
Andy D.
Walt,
ReplyDeleteAs a father that just got done getting his daughter a license, just to start on his son’s, I must say that a simulator has benefits and drawbacks. The use of a driving simulator would definitely flatten the learning curve a bit, as it requires no permit or timeframes. Further, the consequences for errors are far less impactful than road driving. I also see this as a drawback, as I believe the risk associated with driving on the road helps to solidify good habits and defensive driving techniques. Thanks for the post Walt.
-Donny
Walt,
ReplyDeleteI think I would echo what most people are saying on here - driving simulations are a great tool, but only to use in conjunction with real life experiences. But, to answer your question - yes, I think that driving schools should invest in a simulation like the one you posted versus relying on something from video games. I don't even consider video games to be in the same category as simulations because to me, video games entertain and simulations teach or instruct. It seems to me that the simulation website you posted goes more into depth and focuses more on driving rather than anything else. Great discussion topic for this week.
Walt,
ReplyDeleteI actually like this simulation and can see this as a great addition to any driver training program. I think this, in addition to some hands on road training, would undoubtedly result in a reduction of teen accidents. While you will never eliminate all accidents related to teen driving, adding simulation training will go a long way in helping reduce accidents and raise parents and teenage awareness of the types of scenarios a driver may encounter and how your teen responded. Great share of a simulation technology that aims to keep our roads safer. I would like to see more states adopt this strategy.
Anthony
Walt,
ReplyDeleteI think these simulators are a great tool. To be honest simulators could be effective in any training for the operation of machinery. All planes and helicopters use them. It is a safe and cheap way to give beginners a chance to build confidence in their ability to operate something. I went to a high school that made us do 4 hours in a simulator, a very privative one, but it still helped. It will never replace the real thing but its definitely a good place to start.
Mike,
DeleteYou are correct simulators will not be able to replace the real thing, but think about being able to teach students at an earlier age. This gives them time behind a steering wheel before they actually take to the road. Hopefully, eliminating some to the problems that are encountered now, because of lack of experience or time at the wheel. We can say that is the responsibility of the parents or guardians, but the reality is not everyone has the same opportunities. I do think that it is pretty cool that your high school did that for it's students.
Thanks for sharing your experience with simulators!
Walt
Walt,
ReplyDeleteLearning to drive is both exciting and stressful for all involved. I am sure this is a significant undertaking for the family. I think driving in simulators has pros and cons. The pros to me involve having less stress and more fun because a real car with consequences are not involved. The new driver can make mistakes and learn from them before getting behind the wheel of a real car. A major con to me is that driving simulators are just that…. simulators. They do not represent the real feel and stress of being behind the wheel. There is no replacement for the real thing in my opinion. I do think it can absolutely aide the driver in measures to become a safe and effective driver, but it still will not replace the actual stress for a new driver behind the wheel. Thanks for blog post and good luck with the new driver!
Kevin