A Simulator-based Training for Emergency Vehicle Driving

Adequate hazard perception and safe driving behavior in complex traffic situations are prerequisites for efficient emergency vehicle driving. In this field of interest, simulator training can be a useful tool to prepare young drivers to cope with the demands of real traffic conditions. In a pilot project, driving simulation as part of a comprehensive driver training program was implemented by the Bavarian Police. The project aims in particular at the evaluation of a high fidelity simulator as a training device. It was carried out in cooperation with the Center for Traffic Sciences at the Wuerzburg University (IZVW). This paper focuses primarily on the design of the simulator-based-training. It gives an overview of the training goals, the contents of the standardized curriculum and their implementation to the simulation environment. Initial results of the training evaluation are presented. The assessment of training success was based on ratings by driving instructors and independent observers. Additional measures recorded were training acceptance as well as incidence and degree of simulator sickness. Finally, the paper will outline some general demands concerning traffic scenario design in training.