Comparing a driving simulator to the real road regarding distracted driving speed

Relative and absolute validity of a driving simulator were assessed regarding effects on mean speed and speed variation during distracting secondary tasks, and normal driving. 16 participants drove the same route four times, twice in a simulator and twice in the real world. They performed way finding tasks, using either a paper map or a route guidance system, and mobile phone conversation tasks. Furthermore, driving without secondary tasks on other road segments in the two methods was compared. As both mean speed and standard deviations of speed were not equivalent, absolute validity could not be established. However, as effects found in the experimental conditions varied in the same directions, evidence for relative validity was provided. It is concluded that driving performance regarding speed under distracting conditions may validly be researched in the driving simulator employed here.