A review of the state-of-the-art in rear vision from passenger vehicles includes such problems as field of view, display location and display characteristics. Responses to a questionnaire by experts in the field are analyzed. Empirical data are reported on rear vision fixation location and time patterns. Comparisons were made between five different vehicle-mirror configurations driven over the same course under typical freeway and city street driving conditions. Large differences were found in the time required to obtain rear view information. It is concluded that drivers are forced to take their eyes from the road ahead for excessively long periods with standard vehicle-mirror configurations, and that this can be greatly improved by improved rear vision systems.
