Miss Daisy

“Miss Daisy” is a high-fidelity driving simulator used for the evaluation of in-vehicle technology, cognitive distraction, automation, disease and medication effects, and simulator validity. The simulator is constructed with the full cab of a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle on a 3-degree of freedom motion base. Model development and graphic displays are run using SimCreator and ExACCT software (Realtime Technologies Inc., Ann Arbor, MI). Visuals are projected onto 3 forward screens, providing a 150-degree forward field of view, one rear screen, and two LCD screens acting as side mirrors. Sensors connected to the accelerator, brake and steering wheel provide input to the simulation system. Feedback to the driver is provided through visual, auditory and kinetic channels. The simulator, instrumented with equipment for physiology recording and eye tracking, also provides modular interface options for device prototyping. Programmed simulations include highway, rural, urban and desert driving. Studies have shown that behavior patterns measured in the driving simulator correspond with driving in the real world driving and driver self-report.