Driver distraction vehicle design

Sayer, J.R., Mefford, M.L., Shirkey, J.L., and Lantz, J. 2005. Driver distraction A naturalistic observation of secondary behaviors with the use of driver assistance systems. Proceedings of the Third International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training and Vehicle Design. Rockport, Maine. 

Rapid comprehension of symbols within the vehicle can be even more critical than comprehension of road signs because extracting that information also involves moving the eyes away from the road. Thus, slow comprehension of and long fixations on in-vehicle symbols can contribute to driver distraction (see Chapter 13). To minimize that possibility it is important to design symbols that meet the ergonomic principles stated above, and then assess not only the comprehension of the symbols but also the time needed to respond to them. 

Australian Road Rrtle 299 prohibits TV screerrs arrd ddeo display rrrrits from being seen by drivers while the vehicle is in motiorr, or stationary but not parked - and the device must not distract other drivers who are nearby. Australian Design Rule 42 (Section 18) states that all visual display rrrrits must not obscure the driver s vision, or impede driver or passenger movement in the vehicle and must not increase the risk of occupant injmy. This rule also states that, utrless a driver s aid, no part of the image on the display shortld be visible to the driver from the normal driving position. 

---