Advances in computing and communications technology have created opportunities for new types of driver information systems. These may provide services and functions which are appreciated by drivers, but they may also place additional demands on his attention. There is, therefore, a need to develop methods of measuring the safety implications of information systems, particularly those which use in-vehicle displays. Safety indicators may be deduced statistically from accident records but become more elusive at the individual driver level and where the effect of a specific piece of equipment is under study. A broadly based programme of safety research is described covering risk exposure modelling, behavioural studies and driver performance measurements. Near-misses, sharp decelerations and an individual's braking characteristics are analysed as possible surrogate safety measures. Individual driver stress as a contributory factor is discussed. The use of quantitative driver performance measurements involving a tachistoscope and the TRRL driving simulator are described. Information systems giving route guidance advice have been particularly studied. Traffic models of the effects of the AUTOGUIDE route-guidance system predict accident savings due to more efficient use of the network (reducing distance travelled) and by a net transfer of safer roads. Qualitative driver performance studies of the same equipment show that it can, in principle, be used safely and that it was considered helpful and relatively easy to master by drivers. In addition, there was no evidence to suggest that using such a system increased levels of stress while driving. (A) For the covering abstract ofthe conference, see IRRD 840727.
Samenvatting