SIAR Congress, CAR 2026

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Comparative analysis of the influence of human factors on drivers reaction times in real and simulated environments
Iulia Maria Bobeș

Last modified: 2026-08-02

Abstract


Human factors represent a critical component of road safety, influencing the way drivers perceive, interpret, and react to events encountered during vehicle operation. The growing use of driving simulators in behavioral research has created new opportunities for studying driver performance under controlled and repeatable conditions. This paper investigates the influence of human factors on driver behavior through a comparative analysis conducted in both real and simulated driving environments.

The experimental study involved a series of driving tests in which participants were exposed to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli while operating a vehicle or a driving simulator. Driver responses were assessed by analyzing reaction times and monitoring physiological indicators, including heart rate variations, in order to evaluate the effects of external stimuli on attention and performance. Video recordings and observational data were used to support the interpretation of the experimental results.

The research highlights the similarities and differences between real-world and virtual driving conditions, providing valuable insights into the reliability of simulation-based testing for human-factor investigations. The findings contribute to a better understanding of driver behavior and support the development of more effective road safety strategies, driver training programs, and future technologies aimed at reducing the impact of human error in traffic.