Purpose: The Advisory Service for Traffic and Transport (A VV) is developing a system to improve driving through positive reinforcements (Belonitor). Drivers must adhere to the speed limit and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of them. Drivers receive feedback about their driving behaviour and, if they exhibit desired driving behaviour, can earn reward points (Beloontjes). Within this project, AVV asked TNO Human Factors for advice on 1) the form and content of the feedback, 2) a suitable reinforcement system and 3) safe following distances. Methods: We advised AVV on the basis of existing knowledge and experience from past projects. We paid particular attention to 1) the interface with the system in order to provide comprehensible feedback, 2) the learning curve parameters in terms of percentage of the time that a driver can exhibit desired behaviour, 3) the distribution of point accumulation during the study, and 4) the determination of the financial value of one Beloontje. Results: The icons used to provide feedback are green during desired driving behaviour and red during undesired driving behaviour. We assume the learning curve to have a baseline of 25%, a maximum of 75% and a leaning period of two weeks. In combination with reinforcement percentages, we calculate that one Beloontje has a value of EUR 0.65. Conclusions: Regarding feedback, we advise that it be presented on-line and continuously via icons that vary in colour. Regarding the reinforcement system, we advise 1) the reward should decrease during the study, 2) a correction be applied so that more driving does not yield more reward, 3) where possible, estimated values should be replace with values ascertained via the data from the first month of the study and 4) a post-measure be implemented for one month after the end of the study. Finally, we advise the use of a following distance of 1,3 seconds. (Author/publisher)
Abstract