This study aimed to develop a simple and effective method for evaluating the distraction caused by different display positions and to test this method on a specific vehicle/display set-up. The experiment was conducted in a stationary car with targets projected in front to simulate traffic events. Eighteen drivers watched an in-vehicle display screen showing messages every half-second, and responded to target messages by pushing a button. On random occasions, red hazard targets were projected at different locations in front of the vehicle and the drivers had to press the brake pedal. Five different display positions were tested. Reaction times and the ratio of missed targets were recorded. Peripheral target detection performance was much more affected by vertical than horizontal angular eccentricity from the forward line of sight. Displays positioned lower than 35 degrees of vertical eccentricity caused a significant decrease in reaction time and target detection performance. Display positions lower then 50 degrees caused a severe decrease in performance. From these results, it is recommended that no frequently used or important displays be located in the centre stack console of vehicles. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Abstract