Driving Simulator Study: Eco-Driving Training System Based on Individual Characteristics

Abstract

This research sought to establish an eco-driving training system based on a driving simulator. The eco-driving training system contained five modules: human machine interface, data management, scene management, mode management, and evaluation algorithm management. It was proposed to base the new eco-driving training system on drivers’ individual characteristics. This system first asked drivers to conduct a diagnostic drive on a stretch of roadway in a driving simulator. The data on each driver’s non-ecological driving behaviors under different events were collected. Then each driver was given a customized training course based on an evaluation of his/her driving behaviors during the diagnostic drive. This training process is called eco-driving training based on individual characteristics (EDTIC). Eighty taxi drivers were recruited and divided into two groups for eco-driving training. One group was trained by watching videos, and the other was trained by the EDTIC training. An analysis of results shows that the EDTIC training was significantly more effective than traditional video training. Under the EDTIC training, all driving behaviors improved and emissions and fuel consumption were greatly reduced; the reduction was as great as 8.3–8.4%. The EDTIC training was proven effective at improving the eco-driving behavior of taxi drivers (i.e., professional drivers), and it could also be employed to train other professional drivers (bus and truck drivers) and non-professional drivers.