University researchers examine developer and driver needs for IVIS design guidance materials.
New Zealand
Drivers’ response to warnings/information provided by in-vehicle informationsystems
Summary Information
A digital data collection company was contracted by the New Zealand Transport Agency to administer a survey to drivers throughout New Zealand. The survey explored the prevalence and frequency of drivers’ use of in-vehicle information systems (IVIS). IVIS refer to a range of electronic instruments and displays, including navigation devices and advisory systems, used by drivers to obtain a wide variety of trip information and guidance. In addition to exploring IVIS use, the survey also captured drivers’ attitudes regarding IVIS safety. The results were published in June 2018.
Methodology
A series of mass invitations to take part in the study were sent (via email with access to the survey in a web link) to 22,992 Research Now panel members. Of these, 1,610 volunteered to take part, and 1,506 met the four eligibility criteria (permanent New Zealand resident, good understanding of English, over 16 years of age and had driven a car in the last month). Incomplete responses were removed leaving a final sample of 1,017. These New Zealand drivers were included in the analyses. Survey demographics of the 1,017 participants were as follows:
- 50 percent male
- 227 respondents ages 16-24 years
- 260 respondents ages 25-44 years
- 261 respondents ages 45-64 years
- 269 respondents ages 65 years or older.
Most survey respondents lived in regions with major cities, but a few respondents originated from smaller towns and rural communities (such as Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Southland).
Survey respondents were asked to rate the likely safety benefits (from 1 "definitely not safer" to 7 "definitely safer") of four speed information systems (information, advisory, supportive and intervening). They also indicated whether they would like these systems installed in their vehicle (from 1 "definitely not" to 7 "definitely").
Findings/Results
IVIS Use: The survey found that drivers most frequently used in-vehicle audio systems and navigation devices, and a small but significant number reported using hand-held mobile phones. Although many drivers had access to a speed advisory application, only a quarter of those with access reported receiving speed-related warnings, and of these, half were ignored. Given the potential safety benefits, and no detectable negative effects of a properly designed speed advisory IVIS on driving performance, the key challenge is to encourage drivers to use IVIS that improve safety.
Figure 3.5 is from page 57 of the report.
IVIS Attitudes: Respondents rated the information and advisory systems as "most likely" (5 out of a possible 7) to improve safety. They were generally willing to have these two types of systems installed in their cars. Conversely, although respondents thought the supportive and intervening systems would improve safety, they were unlikely to have them installed in their cars.
