Behavioral Adaptation, Safety, and Intelligent Transportation Systems

Abstract

It is intrinsic to human nature to modify behavior to suit new conditions. How drivers are likely to change the way they drive if their vehicles are equipped with intelligent transportation system (ITS) devices is considered. It is clear from the antilock braking system experience that improvements in safety cannot be predicted on the basis of proof-of-concept studies alone, in which one simply looks at changes in performance of the task being aided, whether that is braking, navigation, or detection of hazards. One also must look at changes in other aspects of the driving task and at the type of driving being done to determine the likely effect on safety. In particular, one should assume that there may be trade-offs of mobility for safety, that is, more driving in more difficult conditions and at higher speeds leading to more crashes. Further, one should expect drivers to attempt to increase productivity while driving, given reduced driving task demand. The prolific use of cellular phones is evidence of this behavior. Research is needed on driver mental models of ITS devices, to ensure that drivers understand how they function. The best design from a mechanistic point of view may not be the most effective for drivers.