Israel to Develop Advanced Driving Simulator for Young Drivers

Israel's National Road Safety Authority (RADA) plans to invest NIS 975,000 in the development of a digital driving simulator aimed at training and testing novice drivers. The authority intends to sign a two-year contract with Professor Avinoam Borowski from Ben-Gurion University's Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. His team will create the methodological framework for a digital tool designed to enhance the ability of new drivers, primarily those under 24, to recognize hazardous road situations promptly. Following this initial phase, RADA will issue a separate tender for the technological development of the simulator system itself.

The simulator will feature scenarios specifically tailored to common accidents involving young drivers in Israel. Documents suggest the system might initially target drivers who have already obtained their licenses, rather than just driving school students. The business newspaper "Calcalist" reported that simulators are already integrated into driver training in several countries. In Singapore, simulator sessions are mandatory before students drive on highways. Finnish driving schools use them before practical lessons, and in the UK, they can count towards preparation for the practical driving test. In Israel, such systems are currently uncommon, mainly used in advanced driving schools.