A car simulator that simulates the effects of alcohol will make them more aware of the negative effects of alcohol on driving performance. The effects of driver impairment, or driving under the influence (DUI) are simulated by:
- blurred vision
- slowed reactions and impaired motor performance resulting in swerving and reaction delays in braking
Alcohol also increases overconfidence which, ofcourse, can not be simulated easily. The impaired driving simulation practice shows the effects of driver impairment by comparing driver performance in two conditions:
- normal driving
- impaired driving
by showing the results on number of collisions and driving off the road, and crossing the center line. During the drive, a number of different hazards have to be coped with, such as a dog that crosses the street, a passenger that crosses the street from behind a stopped bus, people on a zebra crossing near a school, cars driving off from the side of the road, oncoming traffic, a lead vehicle that brakes unexpectedly etc. This practice will make young drivers aware of the dangers of impaired driving (DUI) in a way that can’t be demonstrated in a real car on public roads.