Exploring Effect on Driving Skills and Style on Gender and Performance - Literature review Example

Virtual Reality Driving Simulator to Explore Effect on Driving Skills and Style on Gender and Performance Insert Name Course, Class, Semester Institution Instructor Date ABSTRACT. As the number of automobiles keeps on increasing, it has become a necessity as a mode of transportation in the modern day world. As a result, being equipped with proper automobile driving skills is necessary and a normal aspect of modern way of life. Nevertheless, road accidents do occur from time to time despite the rigorous training undertaken during the driving proficiency test. This is attributable to many different factors such as illness, weather conditions and poor road status. Other would be drivers are normally not in good condition to do an a practical road test, and; therefore, scientists have come up with a simulated driving environment which is used by the handicapped so as to do an assessment of their driving abilities and try to enhance them in a virtual environment. There are a few factors that are put forth as those that affect the performance of automobile drivers such as age, gender, marital status and involvement in accidents. Various research studies have been conducted on this topic, and this will look into more insights driving skills and performance. Therefore, the principal purpose of this paper is to use the virtual reality driving simulator in exploring the driving skills and style effect on gender and driving performance. 2.0 BACKGROUND This field of study has been researched by various scholars with a diverse array of research objectives on the topic. In the first step, this paper is going to examine whether exposure to driving will to better performance. The aspect mentioned above is valued to be true, but the driver in question must have a strong background on higher education and training of which training has to be certified. The learning simulator has the objective of designing and providing methods for driving behavior so as to enable the driver to improve on performance in relation to environmental and safety rules (Bartley, 2008). The project aims at reinforcing position and usage of driving simulation between practical and theoretical learning. The main aim is to work towards achieving traffic safety, ensuring the safety of vehicles and struggle to keep unsafe drivers off the highways. It is not so obvious that experience in driving will automatically deliver better performance in the roads because the experienced drivers also break traffic rules. However, this is again dependent on several other factors that are a subject of more research in this paper. The traffic rules and regulations employed to govern road usage help in avoiding accidents, causing collisions and injuries among casualties (Landy et al, 2010). In most cases, these experienced drivers end up causing accidents because of elementary mistakes such as driving while drunk, being ignorant of the traffic rules and highway codes. Most people obtain exposure through factors such as population changes, which show that, the major increase in population is a demographic change that influences the purpose and characteristics of transportation, demand and all the safety requirements. The more the population increase the more it results into more distance traveled and results into a larger level of exposure to accidents (Maki et al, 2012). This is evident in the increased number of vulnerability of road users to accidents. Even the older drivers with lots of experience have distinct safety risks associated with them. The age factor is also a pivotal factor since the number of young drivers is more than the older drivers, and they exhibit a significant high risk behavior because most of them are reckless and end up causing accidents. An increase in the concentration, in the urban areas, encourages people to move from away from the main cities so as to find affordable housing. The corporations are also moving away from urban cities or rather main cities and causes a shift in population that automatically increase distance coverage, which automatically increases the exposure to the roads. The fact that travelers are exposed makes them vulnerable to road accidents of which there is a higher possibility of crashing. In this part, the paper examines the gender difference driving style questionnaire and virtual reality driving simulation. The following report should represent a study of the perceptions of a driver by use of driver simulator, which is carried out on the efficiency of markings that vary in strip patterns and color mixture used at the rear of the vehicle mounted attenuators in work regions during day time, dusk and dawn. It helps determine the driver’s reaction depending on lane change distance, and the drivers are examined through a detailed survey of the subject. The analysis of variance is conducted to come up with findings as to whether there are significant variables affecting lane change distance that is for each time of the day, and a pair wise least-square means test is conducted to get the difference in lane change distance between markings (ICEC, 2007). A Kolmogorov Smirnov test is carried out to evaluate the significance of comparison between lane change distance frequency of the markings and the way they are distributed. In subject evaluation, the markings on the virtual road are ranked by participants showing their preferences using four different criteria for each time of day. The parties are also surveyed on features of individual markings and for most preferred markings. The vehicle mounted attenuators are crashed cushions mounted at the rear of vehicles and can decrease the severity of rear-end collisions with vehicles in work regions. The reviewed literature does not offer guidelines for choosing a vehicle mounted attenuator color mixture or the stripping patterns. This research is a step ahead towards determining efficient vehicle mounted attenuator for use in construction regions for different times of the day among drivers from different age groups. This study evaluates four vehicle mounted attenuators used by departments of transportation in work regions to determine the efficiency of specific striping patterns and color mixture. The vehicle mounted attenuators are responsible for reducing the number of severity of crashes in work regions. The driving simulator was carried out to evaluate vehicle mounted attenuator for day time dusk and dawn. The driver’s awareness and behavior can be assessed by traffic modeling and simulation and field studies using a driving simulator. The popular microscope traffic simulator models do not incorporate driver perception such as vision, hearing, driver sight distance identification and it cannot be used to evaluate the colors and the blueprint. The field data collection can test a number of limited numbers of traffic control devices. The driving simulator studies allow the study hazardous driving circumstances which can’t be safely duplicated during the field test. 2.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS. For purposes of conducting this research, it is prudent to come up with the objective of the research. This means that, this paper has some questions in which it tries to bring viable answers as addressed by this paper. The questions this paper tries to answer are; Does having greater exposure to driving enhance performance? What is the difference in driving as relates to the gender? This research paper seeks to establish whether drivers that have a perceived better exposure to driving translates to greater performance. It is assumed that the more exposure a driver gets as a result of being used to driving automobiles the better the performance expected of them. In other critical terms means that the more exposed are likely less to be involved in or cause an accident. However, this is not usually the case as results portrayed by this study are of the contrary. The other fundamental research question is if gender undoubtedly affects the driving styles and patterns of drivers. There is a general perception that male drivers are better that their female counterparts as far as road usage and accidents are concerned (Landy et al, 2010). This paper is, therefore, going to look into detail the above research questions in regards to a study aided by a virtual reality driving simulator. 2.3 DESIGN OF THE RESEARCH Research design is the blue print that enables the researcher to come up with solutions to problems and guides him/her in various stages of the research. This section brings forth with the description of the methods applied in carrying out the study. It describes the research design, target population, sampling techniques, and instruments used for data collection, data collection and data analysis. This section, therefore, focuses on the ways the study was conducted in order to accomplish the objectives of the study. The design of the study is descriptive survey. Bartley (2008) points out that descriptive studies are not only restricted to fact-findings but may often result in the formulation of fundamental principles of knowledge and solutions to significant problems. They are more than just a collection of records since they involve measurement, classification, analysis and interpretation. For purposes of the study conducted in this research paper, several variables have been inculcated to enable the paper to articulate the overall objectives. It involves the use of correlation experimental design where the predictor variable is the driving style questionnaire. This questionnaire is to be distributed to the sample study respondents to give their honest opinion that can be used in reaching the goals of this research paper with clear objectives. The independent variables selected for this study is the gender and driving experience. These are the variables that are subjected under a test and observed if they are the cause of the desired effect. The dependent variable in this research is the performance on the virtual reality driving simulator. Also known as a respondent variable, it is tested to see if it is the consequence that is brought about by the independent variable. 2.4 DATA SOURCES Maki et al (2012) describes the target population as the complete set of individuals, cases or objects with some common characteristics to which the researcher wants to generalize the outcome of the study. The study targeted 50 individuals who are of UK citizenship and posses a valid driving license. The sample population selected for this study is from different social class within 18 years to 45 years age bracket so as to make the investigation as objective as possible. Other sources include the researchers’ field, family, friends and the local library. The research also takes into consideration that the respondent s of this study has been in active driving practice for the past six months. The table below shows the summary of the population of interest. Table 1: Target Populations AGE Target population Percentage 18-23 12 12 23-28 30 30 29-33 26 26 34-39 24 24 40-45 8 08 Total 100 100 Source: Author (2009) A sample is a group of people representing the whole population. Stratified random sampling was used in this particular study. The parent population was divided into the stratum on the basis of divisions. A sample of 50% was drawn from each stratum from which the respondents were randomly picked. The stratified random sampling method is the most suited in this research because the population is heterogeneous. Maki et al (2012) point out that stratified sampling method ensure inclusion of the diverse parameters in order to come up with a conclusive detailed research. In this method, sub groups, which otherwise could be left out entirely by other methods of sampling due to their small numbers considered. This is indicated in the following table: Table 2: Sampling Matrix Age Bracket Target population % selected Sample size 18-23 12 50 (%) 06 23-28 30 50 (%) 15 29-33 26 50 (%) 13 34-39 24 50 (%) 12 40-45 8 50 (%) 04 Total 100 50 2.5 MEASURES, MATERIAL OR EQUIPMENT Questionnaires and interviews were used in data collection for the purpose of research conducted for this study. 2.5.1 Questionnaires The researcher designed the questionnaires printed them and took them to the respondents to be filled. The respondents were assured of confidentiality of information that was provided. The research study used questionnaires to collect data because they permit respondents’ time to consider their responses carefully which ensures that objectivity for research purposes is obtained. It is possible to provide questionnaires to large numbers of the populace simultaneously. This allows each respondent to be given the indistinguishable set of questions. Questionnaires given to respondents could address a large number of issues and questions of concern in a comparatively resourceful way, with the likelihood of a high answer rate. For the exclusive principle of this particular study, 14 questions were asked to the respondents of the study with a focus on the level of driving experience, their age and gender. This is used as a primary source of gathering the data which is useful in conducting this study. A driving style questionnaire is also used in this study. This is a multi dimensional driving inventory that consists of 44 questions to the respondents. It is a well validated method of assessing the driving styles of the different respondents in this study. The manner in which the respondents handle the questions aids in coming up with results that are different between the various age brackets in this study. A computer, a hearing device and a phone are also used for purposes of conducting this study. 2.5.2 Interviews The research uses interviews to obtain information because it’s a method of investigating issues depth. Interviews enabled the researcher to ask detailed questions and to clarify any incomplete answers. Interviews are able to bring out any disparity in the respondents perception of the two environments exposed to when driving. That is; the virtual reality simulation and the actual road driving experience. 2.5.3 Data analysis methods  After the fieldwork, before analysis, all the questionnaires and interview schedule were adequately checked for reliability and verification. The data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. This involved creating descriptive statistics to be percentages and frequencies. The data was presented by using tables and charts. 2.6 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION 2.6.1 Introduction This study evaluated factors affecting driving performance among the genders in a simulated virtual reality driving environment. The researcher identified certain variables that were seen as key instruments for obtaining the required information. Available secondary data was explored. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and interviews. This chapter presents and discusses the analysis of data collection from various respondents. The data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative method. Response Rate The reaction rate from the respondents selected for the study is as follow; Table 3: Response Category Frequency Percentage Responded 40 80% Non response 10 20% Total 50 100% (Source: Author 2013) Figure 1 Respondents (Source: Author 2013) 80% of the targeted respondents participated in the study. The figure was adequate to give reliable results. 2.7 Quantitative Data Analysis This is a scientific mathematical presentation of the respondent’s results. The data obtained is from the questionnaires which touch on several parameters such as; age of the respondent, gender, their marital status, length of driving, hours per week spent driving and the number of accidents involved in. The finding of the study are analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics, pie-chart, frequency tables, percentage and graphic form. The various data analyzed in this approach are as follows: 2.7.1 Gender On gender of respondents the findings were as follows: Table 4: Gender of respondents Gender Frequency Percentage Male 30 60% Female 20 40% Total 50 100% (Source: Author 2013) Figure 2: Gender of respondents (Source: Author 2013) Out of the total respondents 60% were male and 40% female. This indicates that most of the respondents were male. 2.7.2 Age of respondents The following were research findings on respondents’ age: Table 5: Age of respondents Age brackets Frequency Percentage 18-23 06 12 23-28 15 30 29-33 13 26 34-39 12 24 40-45 04 08 Total 50 100% (Source: Author 2013) Figure 3: Age of respondents (Source: Author 2013) The findings indicate that majority of the respondents fall in the age bracket of 23 – 28 years that is 30% followed by 29– 33 years (26%), 34– 39 years (24%) then 18 – 23 years (12%) lastly 40-45 years (08%). This is an indication that majority of the respondents were between 23 – 28 years thus majority of the employees are middle aged people. Figure 4: Experience in Driving Source: Author (2013) Data presented in above table shows that majority of the respondents 45% are have a driving experience of more than four years. 35% of respondents have three years of driving experience while 15% have two years experience. 5% of respondents have one year experience in driving automobiles. 2.7.3 Hours spent per week On the length of time respondents spend engaged in active driving per week is as follows Table 6: Respondents’ hours of drive per week. Hours Responses Percentage 0-3 07 14 4-6 06 12 7-10 34 68 Above 10 years 3 06 Total 50 100 (Source: Author 2013) Figure 5: Respondents hours of driving per week (Source: Author 2013) From the table, majority of respondents (68%) drive for about 7-10 hours in any given week. This therefore indicates that the majority of the respondents have a long experience in real driving. Their performance on the virtual driving simulator is better as compared to those with lesser driving hours per week. 2.7.4 Number of accidents involved in On the number of accidents involved in by the respondents and the level of injury thereof. The findings indicate the results as shown in the table below. Table 7: Number of accidents involved in. Accident Frequency Percentage (%) Caused death 16 32 Caused serious injuries 22 44 No injuries at all 12 24 Total 50 100 Source: Author (2013) From the table above, it is evident that a majority of the accidents the respondents have been involved in have resulted in serious injuries inflicted on passengers or pedestrians. It is also apparent from the results that quite a percentage has been involved in accidents that have culminates in the death of a person. 2.7.5 Marital status On the basis of the respondents’ marital status, the table below gives a summary of the findings from the study conducted. Table 8: Marital statuses Married Frequency Percentage Yes 40 79% No 10 21% Total 50 100% Source: (Author 2013) Figure 6: Effect of marriage on driving performance (Source: Author 2013) 79% of respondents are married and are of the opinion that better performance in the virtual driving simulator is affected by this. Respondents indicated that it helped minimize stress and thus boost ones performance. The remaining percentage of respondent that are of the perception that better performance comes with more exposure to driving. 2.7.6 Ways of enhancing driving performance On how they would improve work performance on their driving skills at the virtual reality driving simulation exercise, respondents indicated the following: Table 9: Ways of enhancing driving performance Enhancing driving performance Respondents Percentage Training 22 44 Morale 4 08 Effective communication 7 14 Good infrastructure 17 34 Total 50 100 Source: Author (2013) Figure 7: Ways of enhancing work performance (Source: Author 2013) The majority of respondents 22% indicated that an improvement in training skills on driving would greatly enhance accuracy hence improve on the general performance. 17% of respondents feel that good infrastructure in terms of roads and carriage ways would improve performance by drivers while 7% felt if communication by way of appropriate road signs encourages a driver’s morale which leads to a boosted performance. 4% of respondents felt a positive morale would improve performance. 3.0 Qualitative Analysis The majority of respondents feel employee better driving performance is crucial to avoid incidences of road carnage. Most of the respondents in this study were in agreement that gender and age greatly have an influence on performance. Respondents indicated that the road signs help to minimize confusion and thus boost ones performance by increasing concentration while driving. The gender of the respondents also affects the reaction on certain circumstances to avoid causing or being involved in an accident. In order to survive in the competitive environment, drivers have to be taken through intensive training drills that ensure they master the different types of scenarios that may arise as a result of road usage at any particular time. The majority of respondents indicated that proper training had never been carried out in the by their supervisors and as a result it affects their driving performance. It was indicated that training helped impart the required skills and improve those skills previously acquired. Majority of the respondent in this study are mainly male. This indicates that the male gender is more likely to use automobiles in running different errands as opposed to their female counterparts in the study. There is uniformity in the type of response from the two genders that shows performance is directly related to exposure on the part of the driver. The more exposure received by a driver, the better performance results are expected from them in the virtual reality driving simulator. A cross section of the respondents indicated that morale on the road was poor yet the necessary authorities responsible for enforcing traffic rules did influence the stipulated rules and regulations to protect other road users. If drivers got satisfied with services rendered, accidents were reduced and the image of road safety positively enhanced. Most of the respondents were in agreement that driver motivation and satisfaction was essential in creating an impact, negative or positive, to performance. Majority of the respondents felt that mentorship style practiced enhanced driving performance. It was pointed out that positive leadership styles motivated the road users and authoritative style of leadership was pointed out to be in use in the major highways and majority of the respondents felt it affected the performance of both genders. The respondents urged the training departments to also include the extensive training through the virtual reality driving simulator in strategic planning in order to guarantee better strategies in future and thus improve driving performance. The respondents further suggested that if it was possible all stakeholders should be included. On how they would improve their driving skills and performance, the respondents indicated the following: that an improvement in training skills, communication, morale and improved infrastructure would help thus improve on the overall driving performance. SCORE Very High 5 High 4 Moderate 3 Low 2 Very low 1 ∑f ∑Wf ∑Wf/∑f Level of morale 14 14 12 07 03 50 179 3.58 Efficient leadership 02 10 06 14 18 50 114 2.28 Rate of training 14 10 03 01 22 50 143 2.86 Analysis of the Likert scale 1. The level of morale is moderate because it is rated 3.58 which is close to 3. 2. The level of efficiency of leadership is low because it is rated 2.28 which is close to 2. 3. The training level of automobile drivers is moderate since it is rated 2.86 which is close to 3. 3.2 Conclusion In conclusion from the research study conducted above, it is prudent for drivers to acquire proper training on the driving skills that are appropriate for use in the highways. It is of importance that road users take the initiative to be protectors of other road users by observing strictly the highway code of conduct. This entails being conversant with the many road sign communications to road users, giving the right of way to traffic, being courteous to human traffic as they are a part of road users and above all observing the speed limits. It is evident from the study that performance can be enhanced for both genders by use of the virtual reality driving simulator. This module comes in handy as it reduces waste in the long run. It also comes in handy as a tool that greatly limits the number of times new trainees are exposed to the real highway when practicing their driving skills which reduces the chances of accidents occurring. It is also evident from the research carried out that the difference in gender also has some effect on the performance of a road user. The different genders are affected by different circumstances which prompt different reactions from each quota. The male tend to react bravely and steadiness in accident circumstances or near disaster scenes. The feminine counterparts on the other hand seem to be rather slower in coming to conclusions. As a result of this, the former gender has an improved likelihood of better performance as opposed to the latter under similar controlled circumstances. The study also touches some aspect of marriage amongst the respondents where those married have a higher likelihood of having better performance as opposed to those who are yet to be married. Broadly this is attributable to the fact that married drivers have a more sense of responsibility and other likely factors to make them be more careful, in their driving as opposed to the single that might be indulge in acts that may affect their driving skills such as drugs. Having a good infrastructure in terms of highways and more simulators can effectively improve the performance of road users. 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