Abstract
Informative systems might contribute to sensory and cognitive driver distraction, which in turn can lead to a more dangerous driving behavior. In this study the authors evaluated auditory signs to support drivers traffic awareness during simulated driving. 18 truck drivers identified traffic situations based on information conveyed by brief sounds. Aspects of learning, interpretation and pleasantness of sounds were monitored and rated by the drivers. Sounds which were arbitrary mapped to traffic situations required longer learning times, resulted in degraded choice reaction performance, and were rated as less pleasant compared to sounds with a high level incontext specific meaning.