DRIVING SIMULATORS PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN KEEPING ROAD SAFE

Current Road Safety Condition:

Roads are shared by cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, pedestrians, animals, taxis, and other travelers throughout the world. Travel made possible by motor vehicles supports economic and social development in many countries. Yet in these vehicles were involved in crashes responsible for 1.19 million deaths.?Fatal and nonfatal crash injuries are estimated to cost the world economy approximately $1.8 trillion from 2015–2030. Road safety remains a critical global concern. Accidents, injuries, and fatalities persist due to factors like speeding, distracted driving, and inadequate infrastructure. Countries worldwide are grappling with this challenge, implementing various measures to enhance road safety.

Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030

The United Nations has launched the?Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to prevent at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.?The Global Plan emphasizes holistic approaches, improved road design, law enforcement, and emergency care. National Road Safety Week is a week-long traffic safety campaign that aims to diminish road accidents by educating riders/drivers about accident prevention measures, being responsible on the road, and encouraging them to adopt safe driving practices. The theme for?National Road Safety Week 2024?is “Be a Road Safety Hero.” This theme encourages individuals to embrace their roles as champions of road safety, emphasizing universal participation in ensuring safer journeys.

While all countries have made efforts in reducing fatalities countries that have made notable progress in reducing road traffic deaths by over 50%? include #Belarus, #BruneiDarussalam, #Denmark, #Japan, #Lithuania, #Norway, #Russian Federation, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, #Venezuela Their efforts demonstrate a commitment to road safety and sustainable mobility.?

Spending on Road Safety Education:

Many nations allocate resources for road safety education programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, educate drivers, and promote safe behaviors. Governments, NGOs, and private organizations collaborate to develop campaigns, workshops, and training materials. OEMS like Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India , Bharat Benz are investing rightly in setting up simulation training labs for driver training and contributing to road safety digitally and 4X? faster than traditional behind the wheel training.

DRIVING SIMULATORS AND? ROAD SAFETY TRAINING AND RESEARCH:

Skill Development. Driving Simulator allows novice drivers to practice essential skills (e.g., vehicle control, parking, hazard perception) in a controlled environment without real-world risks. Driving Schools in India, Africa, Philippines ,UAE and Singapore are heavily investing in driving simulators to training novice drivers before issuing driving licences??

Driver testing and Licencing : Virtual test track on a driving simulator is replica of the actual testing track with s bend , reversing , slalom , gradient testing all in a single environment . The virtual allowing licencing authorities to test their drivers on a #digitaltwin of a? driving #testtrack and issue driving licences based on the report generated by the driving simulator

Weather Conditions: Advanced driving simulators allows the instructor to simulate adverse weather scenarios in real time allowing drivers to learn how to handle rain, snow, or fog which is not possible in behind the wheel training .

Hazard Perception: Inbuilt defensive driver training scenarios in Driving Simulators enhance hazard recognition skills, preparing drivers for unexpected situations like pedestrian crossing , blind spot training . Driving simulators is helping driving schools and fleet owners train faster and without the need for fuel and actual vehicle

Behavioral Research. Research institutes are using Driving Simulators to study driver behaviour, test new technologies like ADAS and? evaluate safety interventions

DRIVING SIMULATORS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

Driving simulators play a crucial role in contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs) by promoting safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Here’s how they align with SDGs:

1. Reducing Emissions and Energy Consumption:

• Eco-Driving Training: Driving simulators allow individuals to practice eco-friendly driving techniques. By optimizing acceleration, braking, and speed, drivers can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.?This directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating the impact of transportation on the environment.Electric Vehicle (EV) Training: Simulators help train drivers for EVs, which contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing air pollution.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Training: Simulators help train drivers for EVs, which contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing air pollution.

2. Behavioral Change and Education:

• Behavioural Shift: Simulators influence driver behaviour by emphasizing safety, fuel efficiency, and adherence to traffic rules.?This education contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)?
• Promoting Shared Mobility: Simulators can simulate multi-user vehicles, encouraging shared transportation options.?This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing resource consumption.

Companies like Tecknotrove actively contribute to road safety by empowering drivers through effective training with state of the art driving simulators . Tecknotrove Systems?has deployed advanced driving simulators in 28 countries around the world. These immersive driver training tools provide realistic driving experiences, enabling learners to build confidence and proficiency before hitting real roads. Tecknotrove has the global experience of? collaborating? with clients worldwide and? tailoring solutions to local contexts. Their range of simulators covers diverse scenarios, from car driving to heavy equipment operation.? Driving simulators are revolutionizing driver education, and Tecknotrove experience makes them well positioned to serve the world with their advanced simulators and commitment to safer roads.