Capabilities of the Federal Highway Administration ’ S High - Fidelity Driving Simulator ( Hysim )

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) High-Fidelity Simulator, called HYSIM, was recently upgraded to better meet the needs of FHWA’s Human Centered Systems research program. The HYSIM is a fully interactive driving simulator used for human factors research in highway safety and highway operations. It provides a platform to study driver performance in a broad spectrum of driving situations. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures developed as a result of identified driver performance problems. The HYSIM’s capabilities are highly responsive to the increasing scope, complexity, and requirements of the FHWA’s research programs. This paper describes the different modules of the HYSIM and the research areas where it will be utilized. With the upgraded HYSIM currently operational, the Human Centered Systems Team looks forward to conducting important and relevant research in the areas of speed management, run-off-road, intersections, and visibility that will help to improve driver safety, mobility, and productivity.