Connected Vehicle Infrastructure University Transportation Center

Human Factors Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) System

Final Report

Abstract

This research study focused on the development and subsequent evaluation of an in-vehicle Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) system deployed on I-66. The ATDM elements inside the vehicle allowed drivers to remain consistently aware of traffic conditions and roadway requirements even if external signage was inaccessible. This system has the potential to reduce infrastructure cost to road operators since large, overhead structures and other traditional signage would be unnecessary. As a result, this system could also decrease road sign clutter.

Forty participants were accompanied by a member of the research team and were provided with the following information through the in-vehicle device (IVD): 1) speed limits, 2) lane availability, 3) High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) restrictions, and 4) messages related to traffic conditions, including accidents ahead, detours, etc. This system was equipped with auditory and visual alerts to notify the driver when relevant information was updated. The research questions addressed distraction, desirability, and driver behavior associated with the system.

Participant data was collected from the instrumented vehicle, various surveys, and researcher observation. Statistical analysis methods were performed to analyze participant eye glance durations towards the IVD and instrument cluster. Participant speed data and survey responses were also utilized to answer research questions.

Several key findings were uncovered related to each research category: 1) the IVD would not be classified as a distraction, 2) seventy-three percent of participants would want the in-vehicle technology in their next vehicle, and 3) the speed limit alert motivated participants to alter their speed (based on both survey results and actual participant speed data).

Highlights

  • According to the eye glance reduction analysis, all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) distraction guidelines were met; therefore, the IVD would not be considered a distraction to drivers.
  • None of the in-vehicle alerts were distracting or annoying based on in-vehicle and post-drive survey responses.
  • When asked if they would use an in-vehicle device that provided HOV, lane management, speed limit, and VMS if such system existed, 98% of participants said they would use the device in both the pre-drive and post-drive surveys.
  • A vast majority of the participants found the in-vehicle VMS to be clear and concise based on post-drive survey responses (95%).
  • Of the twenty-seven participants who provided price ranges, 48% were willing to pay $100 – $500 for the in-vehicle system.

Publications

Sykes, K.P. (2016). Human Factors Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) System (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/65003/Sykes_KP_T_2016.pdf.

Presentations

Sykes, K.P., Noble, A.M., Neurauter, M.L., Doerzaph, Z.R., Murray-Tuite, P.M., & Dingus, T.A. (2015, November). Human Factors Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) System. Poster presented at the 9th University Transportation Center (UTC) Spotlight Conference: Connected and Automated Vehicles, Washington, D.C.

Sykes, K.P., & Noble, A.M., Doerzaph, Z.R. (2015, April). Human Factors Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Active Traffic and Demand Management (ATDM) System. Poster presented at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Day, Blacksburg, VA.

Awards

Kayla Sykes – CVI-UTC Student of the Year 2015 (recognized at the 2016 Annual Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) Annual Meeting Awards Banquet)

Sponsor Organization

Research and Innovative Technology Administration
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
USA

UTC Grant Manager

Harwood, Leslie
Phone: 540-231-9530
Email: lharwood@vtti.vt.edu

Performing Organization

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
3500 Transportation Research Plaza
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
USA

Research Investigators

Sykes, Kayla
Dingus, Tom
Murray-Tuite, Pam
Doerzaph, Zac
Neurauter, M. Lucas

More Information

RiP URL
Project Poster
TriD Format