1. DOT OA:

FMCSA – Research Division

2.  Preliminary Title:

Truck Simulator Validation (Sim Val) Study

3.  Subject and Purpose:

Provide a brief description of the project.  The project summary in the e‑Portfolio system may be used providing the information is current.  Include: Topic, Specific Issues, Broad Goals, Potential Public Benefits.

1. Topic:  Truck Simulator Validation (Sim Val) Study

2. Specific Issues:  The principal purpose of FMCSA’s Truck Simulator Validation (Sim Val) is to examine whether simulator based training, as compared to conventional training in a tractor-trailer, can enhance truck driver training and improve longer term driver safety performance.  In addition, the study will showcase the advanced capabilities of a simulator to replicate emergency and evasive maneuvers.

3. Broad Goals: The study will compare the driving skills and longer term safety performance of drivers trained conventionally in a tractor-trailer to drivers trained principally in a truck driving simulator.  The design of the study will also allow FMCSA to understand the value of training in and of itself (a question long unanswered in the literature).  It will also compare the driving performance of students that successfully completed a truck driver training program of longer duration (8 weeks) to students successfully completing a training program of shorter duration (1 to 3 weeks). 

4. Potential Public Benefits: Improve driver safety performance.

4.  Is this dissemination likely to be:

(check one)

Highly influential scientific information

Influential scientific information

5.  Peer Review Plan:

1) What is the schedule for peer review?

It will include two peer reviews, which are integrated into the study.  The first peer review will be conducted in year one of the project in FY 2006.  The second peer review will occur in the final year of the study FY 2008. However, the project has not been awarded, and a formal schedule has not been developed.

2)  Will the review be conducted through a panel, individual letters, or will an alternative procedure be exercised?

Both peer reviews will employ a panel review.  For purposes of continuity, it is envisioned that the individuals involved in the first panel will also participate in the second peer review.

3)  Will there be opportunities for the public to comment on the work product to be peer reviewed, and if so, how and when will these opportunities be provided?

Public comment is not envisioned.

4) Will the FMCSA provide significant and relevant public comments to the peer reviewers before conducting their review?

N/A

5)  What is the anticipated number of reviewers (3 or fewer; 4-10; or more than 10)?

It is envisioned that 3 reviewers will conduct the peer review. 

6)  What are the primary disciplines or expertise needed to conduct the peer review?

Human Factors

Truck/Simulator Driver Training

Statistics

7)  Will reviewers be selected from within DOT or from an outside organization?  And will reviewers be selected by an outside organization?

Reviewers will likely be external to DOT.

FMCSA will select the appropriate mix for the review panels.

8)  Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers?

No.

6.  Contact person:

Jerry Robin

E-mail:

Jerry.robin@fmcsa.dot.gov

Phone:

202-385-2395