Can a video game help investigate safety while driving? Apparently, yes

Researchers from the Technical University of Liberec, led by Professor Martinka, have found an unexpected ally in the video game Euro Truck Simulator 2 to simulate driving with fatigue. This simulator not only offers a fun driving experience but also allows researchers to safely recreate realistic driving conditions. According to Martinka, “ETS2 was the simplest and most practical solution because it reflects real driving conditions.”

Euro Truck Simulator 2: a good way to investigate road safety

In the study, test subjects were placed in a car seat with a steering wheel, interacting with the simulator for periods that could extend up to seven hours. This controlled environment allowed for the replication of situations that induce fatigue, thus providing an ideal framework to study the phenomenon of microsleep. “We drove continuously until we genuinely felt exhausted and wanted to sleep,” explained Martinka.

The most notable innovation that arises from this study is a smart t-shirt that monitors users’ breathing patterns. Unlike the fatigue sensors typically used in cars, this device is more accurate and can detect the onset of microsleeps with high reliability. Martinka emphasized that “our smart T-shirt is almost invisible, washable, and outperforms standard fatigue detection systems in cars.”

In the near future, a follow-up study is planned in Japan, where Euro Truck Simulator 2 will continue to play a crucial role in research on detecting driver fatigue.

Meanwhile, SCS Software, the company behind the game, continues to update Euro Truck Simulator 2 with additional content, such as the recent Greek Mythology Pack, which keeps the interest in this gaming phenomenon. Although simulated driving is a complicated process, it remains a valuable and entertaining field of study that reflects the importance of addressing road safety in the real world.

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