🚀 go-pugleaf

>I wish automobile simulators
>were available which functioned like aircraft and spacecraft
>simulators, that is, you operate the vehicle and the simulator
>throws nasty surprises at you. This would be especially good
>for new drivers who don't realize things like the importance
>of slowing down around a sharp curve or going over a hill
>because you don't know if there will be something in the road.

>I would pay for such training and would be even more willing
>to pay for my children to have the experience.

Back when I took DT we had "simulators" which did this.
Are they now gone?  They seemed like a joke, but WE did have to deal
with drivers suddenly pulling out into traffic, blow outs at high speed
on bridges, etc.  People don't do this anymore?

Or does one have to resort of the Evans and Sutherland Mercedes
level simulation?  Expensive toys. Which is not only expensive, but physically
dangerous.  (See the SIGGRAPH E&S video which includes
pulling out in front of an on coming school bus, driving on rough surfaces,
etc.)

I think the quality of instruction is not simply related to surprise
factor.  The problem was "surprise" is that you can spend an incredible
amount of time on it, but develop poor "maintenance" skills.  It's a
question of balance.  The solution isn't high tech.  I don't disagree
with Phil but am surprised that people no longer get this.

This isn't the car equivalent of "space-camp." But then maybe we should
drive around in helmets, have radios, have ground traffic control, etc.
The Government isn't interested in being your mother.

--e. nobuo miya, NASA Ames Research Center, eugene@orville.nas.nasa.gov
  {uunet,mailrus,other gateways}!ames!eugene