In-vehicle data recorders for monitoring and feedback on drivers’ behavior

This paper describes the potential of in-vehicle data recorder (IVDR) systems to be used in various commercial and research applications as tools to monitor and provide feedback to drivers on their on-road behavior. The implementation of IVDR is demonstrated using the example of the DriveDiagnostics system. This system can identify various maneuver types that occur in the raw measurements, and use this information to calculate risk indices that indicate on the overall trip safety. Drivers receive feedback through various summary reports, real-time text messages or an in-vehicle display unit. Validation tests with the system demonstrate promising potential as a measurement tool to evaluate driving behavior. Reductions in crash rates and the risk indices are observed in the short-term.