Driving Simulator Validation for Nighttime Construction Work Zone Devices

Research was conducted to ascertain the validity of a driving simulator in determining the effectiveness of temporary traffic control devices in a work zone during nighttime hours. The research was conducted through a field study and a simulator study. The field study examined speeds at six sites and the simulator study utilized 127 human subjects. Spot speeds were observed at three locations in a freeway work zone. The location of the speed studies were at the beginning of the work zone near the transition area, in the middle of the work zone, and at the end of the work zone near the downstream taper. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether the participants of the study performed differently in the simulator, as compared to the field. Research results established that due to the motorist’s perceived risk of work zones, driving simulators may not replicate mean speeds observed in the field.