This paper reports the final outcomes of a large six-year collaborative research and development project undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, in conjunction with the Victorian Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Ford Australia. The TAC SafeCar project, was designed to evaluate, in an on-road trial, driver interaction with three in-vehicle Intelligent Transport Systems: Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA); Following Distance Warning (FDW); and the Seat Belt Reminder (SBR). The technical operation of the technologies, driver acceptance of them, and their effects on driving performance and safety were evaluated. These systems, along with a Reverse Collision Warning (RCW) system and Daytime Running Lights, were equipped to 15 Ford passenger cars sub-leased to several Government and private organisations in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 23 drivers drove a SafeCar for 16,500km. In this paper, the overall effects of the systems on driving performance and safety are reported. In a companion paper, findings pertaining to driver acceptance of the systems are presented. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214057. Printed volume contains peer-reviewed papers. CD-ROM contains submitted papers.
Abstract