Welcome to the Brain, Body, & Behavior Driving Simulation Lab
(B3DrivSim Lab)
Mission
To comprehensively examine the complexities of young driver behavior in an interdisciplinary approach pushing the boundaries of understanding crash-injury risk and prevention in the context of technological advancements in motor vehicle safety.
In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability for those ages 15-20 years old. Further, it is well established that at the outset of initial driving licensure of this age group, the youngest drivers are at the greatest risk for involvement in serious injury and fatal crashes. Attributable factors for such crashes in these youth include developmental facets, inexperience, driver-passenger dynamics, speeding, distraction/inattention, premature exposure to high-risk road environments, and driver impairment (i.e., alcohol, drugs, drowsiness).
In the B3DrivSim Lab, we are focused on holistically studying the complexities of young driver behavior for the purpose of advancing scientific evidence and its pragmatic application for the prevention and elimination of crash-injury and deaths. We address this focus by conducting young driver research (e.g., injury epidemiology, policy, high-fidelity driving simulation) and implementing prevention activities and programs with likeminded academic and community partners.
B3DrivSim Lab
High-Fidelity Driving Simulation
The B3DrivSim Lab uses a ½ cab vehicle configuration simulator that is PC-based and provides high-fidelity simulation of vehicle dynamics. Powerful simulator software allows the B3DrivSim Lab team to develop, design, and employ driving scenarios that target the areas of research interest. The simulator also captures real-time driver video, acquires a multitude of driving behavior metrics, and tracks as well as computes essential driving measures (e.g., average speed, standard deviation of speed, standard deviation of lateral position, lane departure count and percentage, average following headway) used in research studies and program work.
We are looking for volunteers!
If you are interested in volunteering for a study at the B3DrivSim Lab, please contact us at B3DrivSim@hs.uci.edu