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In-Vehicle Technologies: Experience & Research

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This page is devoted to discussions regarding specific in-vehicle technologies: cell phones, navigation systems, night vision systems, wireless Internet, and information and entertainment systems, among others. The purpose is to provide an avenue for drivers to share their experiences with, and impressions of these technologies so that benefits of these systems can be realized without causing unsafe driver distraction. Although specific in-vehicle devices are emphasized here, comment and discussion relevant to other non-technological or conventional sources of distraction are also welcome. Be sure to take or view results of our informal polls.

Please tell us about your experience with these technologies…

 

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Cell Phones
             310comments   4     2   6   
Navigation Systems
            
   Issues in the Evaluation of Driver Distraction Associated with In-Vehicle Information and Telecommunications Systems   5/18/00 9:44:51 AM

   Driver Workload Assessment of Route Guidance System Destination Entry While Driving: A Test Track Study   5/30/00 5:41:52 PM

   For navigation systems, how important a feature is the capability to view maps while driving (when the vehicle is in motion)?   

   Would you purchase a system that prevents you from entering a destination address while the vehicle is in motion?   

   Given that many in-vehicle technologies are now available and being used in Japan, what lessons can you offer to make these systems safer for drivers?   7/6/00 11:38:54 AM

comments   Issues with in-vehicle and telecommunications   7/6/00 1:33:21 PM

comments   re driver distractions   7/6/00 4:53:52 PM

comments   Police accident rate using radios   7/10/00 8:58:49 PM

comments   In-Vehicle Navigation Systems and Other Yuppie Toys   7/12/00 10:37:52 AM

comments   Road Testing the Best and Worst Nav Systems   7/13/00 1:55:27 PM

comments   My sister was critically hurt by a guy staring at a GPS.   7/14/00 12:20:59 PM

comments   Navigation tools    7/14/00 1:00:41 PM

comments   should be audio-enabled ONLY while car is in motion   7/15/00 12:42:32 AM

comments   You are so right   7/15/00 12:52:27 AM

comments   What about Maps?   7/15/00 10:18:48 PM

comments   Data would not be accurate   7/17/00 1:29:06 PM

comments   "HEADS UP AND HANDS ON"   7/17/00 2:34:06 PM

comments   Mark... you are SO RIGHT, DUDE!   7/17/00 3:52:55 PM

comments   GPS nav systems - Save lives   7/18/00 4:20:25 PM

comments   use of cell phones while driving   7/18/00 6:22:20 PM

comments   Long-term solution   7/18/00 8:56:05 PM

comments   Message from the Moderator   7/19/00 8:25:38 AM

comments   GPS nave systems -Save lives (yeah right)   7/19/00 9:06:16 AM

comments   A Dangerous Distraction in Moving Vehicles   7/19/00 9:49:34 AM

comments   unnecessary toys   7/19/00 4:11:04 PM

comments   Yes, this is believable   7/19/00 10:27:56 PM
Philip   Robare
Automotive Industry OEM/Supplier

Refering to: GPS nave systems -Save lives (yeah right)

I'd like for you to explain how a GPS that only displays your coordiantes(sic)could possibly help you drive a vehicle in a white out.

I believe the system referred to would give notice when the driver reached a turn point. When driving in "near" whiteout conditions it would be possible to see some distance ahead, but not allow you to see sufficiently far to refer to landmarks to determine if a cross road was the one you wanted to turn on. Similar to driving in fog in an unfamiliar area. A nav system that merely informed you when you reached the desired intersection would be enough to safely see the original poster through to his parents house.

I do take issue with the original posters contention that Most GPS systems sold today [...] are moving map type designed for urban cities. They require you to watch them like a TV set. Almost all systems sold today have a startup screen display that reminds the driver to look at the road and not at the map while driving. Many display only the distance to the next turn, and that turn's direction, in the default driving mode. Not something that is interesting to watch. A map display is useful in assuring the driver that they are where the intend to be, haven't gone too far or missed a turn. Something that a quick glance can tell you, similar to the time it takes to read a billboard. Zoom in/zoom out, sliding map displays, etc. are desired by consumers and cost only a small increment to add and so manufacturers do so, afraid of losing competitive advantage. They are not useful while driving.

In response to the second poster's question How does it keep you from driving off the road, or missing a stop sign? I would like to point out that research in Intelligent Vehicles is progressing that will allow systems in the car to alert you if you are about to miss a stop sign, warn you if you are about to leave your lane, slow you down if you are going to fast for an upcoming curve, stop you if there is an obstruction ahead and point your headlights in the direction of the road as you go around a curve.

In furtherance of the main topic in this thread of the discussion - that Nav Systems can save lives - I would like to point to anecdotal evidence collected from consumer surveys that point to a lessening of last minute maneuvers, an increased feeling of safety, and an increase in driver confidence (e.g. less need to look for street names) when using a nav system in an unfamiliar area. Surely accidents are prevented when drivers don't dive for the exit ramp from the left lane because they suddenly realize that they have reached their exit.




comments   Yes, this is believable   7/19/00 10:29:13 PM

comments   No substitute for a live person   7/20/00 10:11:52 AM

comments   Come again?   7/20/00 1:07:46 PM

comments   Reference   7/20/00 3:29:34 PM

comments   Have you used one?   7/21/00 12:38:34 AM

comments   The Honda Navigation System   7/24/00 10:30:50 AM

comments   Controlling usage of driver interface computers.   7/24/00 12:02:20 PM

   In your opinion, would a night vision system (designed to display distant objects on a head-up display low on the windshield) improve safety or pose a threat to safety by distracting drivers?   

comments   Technology and Resistance   7/25/00 7:27:36 PM

comments   Accidents do happen to police   7/26/00 5:56:31 AM

comments   Re-Police Vehicles   7/27/00 5:31:44 PM

comments   Personal experience   7/27/00 7:37:34 PM

comments   Mobile Desk for GPS   7/28/00 6:18:36 PM

comments   Navigation systems like anything else require common sense.   7/29/00 10:46:27 PM

comments   Maybe that's why that Boston Police car hit the cab I was in..   7/30/00 11:30:10 PM

comments   Non-Tech distractions: Paper maps, kids, getting lost   8/1/00 3:51:23 PM

comments   The Human Interface   8/3/00 5:25:43 AM

comments   No visual display while moving.   8/5/00 8:57:12 AM

comments   Safety benefits of navigation systems   8/8/00 12:28:17 PM

comments   HEADS UP DISPLAY, POLICE EXPERIENCE   8/10/00 9:24:50 AM

comments   Potential Expansion of the 15-Second Rule   8/11/00 9:30:46 AM

comments   map display is very useful   8/11/00 10:28:55 AM

comments   Destination input while driving   8/11/00 10:34:12 AM
Night Vision Systems
             22comments   
Wireless Internet (E-mail)
             29comments   2   
Information & Entertainment Systems
             23comments   
Other
             92comments