A national database on drivers and motorcyclists behaviours and performances is underway, thanks to the latest effort by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) in developing a low-cost in-vehicle information system.
Road User Behavioural Change Research Centre (RUBC) director Dr Low Suet Fin told theSun with the latest advent by Miros, "driver's characteristics such as his steering wheel turning angle, braking, vehicle speed, distance travelled and accelerations data can be collected and analysed."
She said the vehicle and driving simulator are also suitable to analyse a learner driver or biker capabilities in driving schools since it is equipped with GPS, data logger, wireless eye tracker system, high-definition video cameras inside the cabin as well as front and rear view for motorcycle.
"The software would gather all the data of measurable parameters such as speed, gear transmission, brake and turning signal activation," said Dr Low, adding that the cabin simulator is made possible due to close collaboration with Perodua.
Dubbed as the first naturalistic study on a large scale in Malaysia by using instrumented vehicles, Dr Low pointed out that Miros is aiming for high impact research on driver behaviour crash causation factors by applying technical engineering with social science approach.
Since 2007, she said, Miros has started the instrumented vehicle project as part of the institute effort to address the road safety problems in a more holistic approach.
She added there are situations on the road that could affect a driver's behaviour.
"For example; is it possible to study how a driver reacts during intense moment? Is there any difference in terms of driving performance between new driver and old driver? How would a driver react when a cat suddenly appear on his driving path? Where does a driver look when he or she pass through billboards?" she asked.
Dr Low also didn't rule out the possibility that the project can be commercialised in the future to gauge drivers' fitness and aptitude.
"But we want to take one step at a time. Research is our ultimate objective even though our software and the instrumented devices are also suitable for transportation companies with large fleet.
"I think the insurance companies would also be pleased if such devices are fitted in vehicles," she added.
Road User Behavioural Change Research Centre (RUBC) director Dr Low Suet Fin told theSun with the latest advent by Miros, "driver's characteristics such as his steering wheel turning angle, braking, vehicle speed, distance travelled and accelerations data can be collected and analysed."
She said the vehicle and driving simulator are also suitable to analyse a learner driver or biker capabilities in driving schools since it is equipped with GPS, data logger, wireless eye tracker system, high-definition video cameras inside the cabin as well as front and rear view for motorcycle.
"The software would gather all the data of measurable parameters such as speed, gear transmission, brake and turning signal activation," said Dr Low, adding that the cabin simulator is made possible due to close collaboration with Perodua.
Dubbed as the first naturalistic study on a large scale in Malaysia by using instrumented vehicles, Dr Low pointed out that Miros is aiming for high impact research on driver behaviour crash causation factors by applying technical engineering with social science approach.
Since 2007, she said, Miros has started the instrumented vehicle project as part of the institute effort to address the road safety problems in a more holistic approach.
She added there are situations on the road that could affect a driver's behaviour.
"For example; is it possible to study how a driver reacts during intense moment? Is there any difference in terms of driving performance between new driver and old driver? How would a driver react when a cat suddenly appear on his driving path? Where does a driver look when he or she pass through billboards?" she asked.
Dr Low also didn't rule out the possibility that the project can be commercialised in the future to gauge drivers' fitness and aptitude.
"But we want to take one step at a time. Research is our ultimate objective even though our software and the instrumented devices are also suitable for transportation companies with large fleet.
"I think the insurance companies would also be pleased if such devices are fitted in vehicles," she added.
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