The comparative merits of expert observation, subjective and objective data in determining the effects of in-vehicle information systems on driving performance

In this paper we report the results of a field study conducted for the EU project HASTE, in which the effect of IVIS task difficulty on driving performance was assessed by three concurrent methods. These included objective vehicle-related measures, subjective ratings from drivers and expert observers’ evaluations. Results showed that all three techniques were sensitive to detecting the effect of IVIS task difficulty on driving performance. As well as demonstrating a promising technique for measuring the effect of varying levels of visual spatial IVIS task on driving performance, this study highlights the value of subjective ratings and observer evaluation in assessing the effect of IVIS on driving performance.

Research highlights► The effect of IVIS task difficulty on driving performance was assessed by three concurrent methods, including objective vehicle related measures, subjective ratings from drivers and expert observers’ evaluations. ► All three techniques were sensitive to detecting the effect of IVIS task difficulty on driving performance. ► Demonstrating a promising technique for measuring the effect of varying levels of visual spatial IVIS task on driving performance, this study highlights the value of subjective ratings and observer evaluation in assessing the effect of IVIS on driving performance.