A Human Factors Study of Driver Reaction to In-Vehicle Navigation Systems

This paper describes a laboratory simulation study of driver reaction to in-vehicle navigation systems. The study included a pre-test questionnaire on demographic background and commuting behavior, simulation testing of navigation decision making, and a post-test questionnaire on navigation behavior and reactions to in-vehicle navigation systems and the laboratory simulation. A total of 277 subjects, both male and female, were employed over a wide range of ages.

Test subjects were assigned to one of four navigation system groups or a no-system control group for the purpose of comparing system performance. The simulation task required subjects to experience a commuting ‘drive’ on a Southern California freeway route and minimize trip time by diverting off the main route to avoid congestion. Subjects were given orientation and training on the simulation and their navigation system condition, and were motivated by rewards and penalties to minimize trip time.

Simulation results showed that diversion decision making improved with increasing navigation system feedback containing congestion and route diversion information. Questionnaire results showed reasonable acceptance for use of in-vehicle systems for navigation, and a generally positive response to the simulation experience.