People use simulators for just about every vehicle you can drive including planes, tanks, and even trains. This is done as a way of learning how to be more adept at what you’re driving or flying as well as to help with safety. But what about a motorcycle simulator that would help in identifying what safety procedures could be used to reduce accidents? Researchers at the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics & Rider Human Factors have recently used a simulator to help in identifying the traits and behavioral patterns of riders in order to understand weather advanced riders are less likely to be involved in an accident than novice or experienced riders. The simulator uses a Triumph Daytona 650 mounted on a custom platform as a reference point for a typical motorcycle. A large screen sits in front of the bike that is powered by a STI-SIM Drive to give riders different scenarios to drive through. I wonder if I could re-create Evil Knevil’s jump over the Grand Canyon. Results showed that advanced riders behaved like novice ones in some cases, also advanced riders were better able to adjust to adverse conditions and even obeyed the speed limit! The research is ongoing but should help with better safety and requirement standards in the future. To read more on the simulator and initial findings please visit: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2010/november/motorcyclesimulator.aspx
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