Ford is to open a 7m driving simulator laboratory at its US headquarters to study driver distraction.
The new base will allow researchers to measure a driver's ability to cope in common traffic situations with distractions such as mobile phones, navigation systems and other in-car electronic equipment.
It is Ford's first full-scale, moving-base driving simulator and one of the most advanced of its kind.
Called VIRTTEX (VIRtual Test Track EXperiment), the equipment will allow scientists to duplicate highway driving conditions using advanced computer simulation in a safe and controlled laboratory environment, to aid the development of user-friendly driver interfaces.
Special cameras will monitor and record the road scene and the driver's hand, eye and foot movements.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article