Evaluating Potential for Integrating Traffic Density with Guidance Information

Although IntelliDrive has spurred significant research, little has been done to investigate the possibility of using traffic density information to time the release of in-vehicle guidance information. This study evaluated drivers' reactions to guidance information under varying traffic conditions to identify if such an integration of data is warranted. Researchers used a vehicle-driving simulator and participants between 18–25 years old, those with the highest US crash rate. The findings indicated that vehicle voice guidance software does not significantly distract drivers more than manually searching for road name signs. Results also suggest there is a direct relationship between the road segment level of service and the effectiveness of route guidance systems.