The current research was aimed at examining the real-world implications of the reported "eyes-on-road" benefit of automotive head-up displays (HUDs). In a parked vehicle, older drivers were asked to read a digital speedometer (positioned either head-up or head-down) and a distant speed limit sign in rapid succession. Liquid-crystal glasses were used to limit the driver's forward view. In the second half of testing, subjects were told that during a few trials a pedestrian would appear. On these trials, subjects were to immediately press a button. Results indicated a HUD detection time advantage ranging from 87-325ms for 5 of the 8 pedestrian target types examined and no differences across displays for the remaining pedestrian target types. In addition, there was a trend toward fewer missed pedestrians with the HUD. These results clearly suggest HUDs improve the driver's ability to see forward scene events (and hence, potentially traffic safety) surrounding display glances. (A)
Samenvatting