This paper raises a number of fundamental issues concerning the role and contribution of the driver to the success of improvements in the vehicle/driver interface in improving crash avoidance capabilities. Of primary concern is the possibility that increased automation may exacerbate the inherent weaknesses of human information processing. New technologies providing better information about the vehicle and driving environment assume drivers are capable of processing the information. However the human brain does have significant limitations as an information processing unit, and without training it is incapable of utilising such new technologies to maximum effect. The paper serves to highlight the fact that there may be an inherent need to introduce driver training in conjunction with improvements in the vehicle/driver interface. Moreover it is important that such training incorporates techniques designed to develop attitudes consistent with safe driving in addition to improving information processing skills. The doubt remains whether it will require the availability of almost complete automation of the driving task before the full potential of even existing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technologies can be more fully exploited. A final concern is that of the willingness of the driver to relinquish manual control of the vehicle. The potential of new technological advances may await the emergence of new generations of drivers who feel more comfortable with the use of advanced technologies. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116488.
Abstract