INL studies are unique in that real drivers, real systems, real routes, and coaches used daily by fleet services are
used in assessments and, ultimately, will be used to support future deployments. INL has controlled access roads
leading to Idaho highways and, through fleet operations, considerable control and access to personnel.HFE staff,
drivers, and technicians helped in the simulator build out, and an industry partner donated the bus cab that we
used.The methods we have leveraged to date include simulator build out, predictive aiding testing, prototype bus
testing, surveys and debriefs, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) tasking.
The HVS resides at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. The simulatorhas the footprint of the front of
amodern motor coach, with a full interior cab environment matching that of one of INL’s current motor coaches.
The HVS predecessor simulator in Fig. 1(a) employed three 37-inch screens aligned horizontally and a common
racing set-up used by gamers consisting of a force-feedback G-27 Logitech wheel/pedals/shifter and a racing style
adjustable seat. While this prototype simulator suffices for general populations and novice drivers, expert drivers
that spend hours a day driving require a simulator with much higher ecological validity.Fig. 1(b) presents the current
simulator, HVS #2, which, in 2014, replaced HVS #1.