On the road to more sophisticated driving
Drivers today have the luxury of choosing from many in-vehicle technologies on the market such as 'Advanced driver assistance systems' (ADAS) and 'In-vehicle information systems' (IVIS). What's more, in-vehicle use of portable computing devices is on the rise. These technologies make the driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable but offer much more than that. ADAS can help a driver have more acute perception of possible hazards. They can also partially automate the task of driving which can reduce accidents, particularly those caused by human error. Examples are speed alert, lane support/blind spot detection, automated safe following, pedestrian detection, vision enhancement and driver impairment monitoring. The EU-funded AIDE project addressed human machine interface (HMI) issues regarding the large-scale deployment of intelligent road safety systems. The AIDE researchers developed methodologies to integrate ADAS, IVIS and portable computing devices into the driving sphere safely and efficiently. HMI issues are of particular importance since the degree of safety these systems offer is largely dependent upon interaction with the driver. An example is having the proper warning and response in order to avoid a collision. The researchers looked into how novel technologies using visual, tactile and auditory modalities can be best exploited to offer the utmost safety benefits. Also examined was driver behaviour such as over-reliance on in-vehicle safety technologies as well as possible distraction caused by using some of the technologies. The hazard from mobile phone use is a well-known example. Market penetration rate is also significant since it is an indicator of actual use. A model and a computer simulation were developed in order to better understand behavioural effects. For the long run, AIDE research highlights the maximum potential and benefits of safe and efficient integration of HMI technologies into the driving environment. The dangerous habit of holding a mobile will hopefully be a thing of the past.