| Abstrakt: |
Side object detection systems (SODS) alert drivers to the presence of traffic alongside their vehicle within a defined detection zone. Their intent is to reduce lane changing and merging collisions. The effect of right SODS on the safety related behavior of commercial vehicle drivers was examined in this study.Eight subjects drove a tractor-semitrailer equipped with four different sets of right SODS or mirrors. Subjects were tested with two right SODS (a radar-based system, and an ultrasonic-based system), a fender-mounted convex mirror, and, for comparison, standard side view mirrors. For each case, subjects drove the test vehicle through a set route for one day. The effect of these systems on driver behavior and the extent to which safety may be improved by implementing SODS were assessed based upon the correctness of responses and verbal response times to Right Clear questions, and upon subject glance fixations and durations. A debriefing questionnaire was used to acquire subjects' opinions about the SODS.Driver performance with SODS was not significantly improved over that observed with standard side view mirrors. Analysis of the correctness of responses to Right Clear questions showed that subjects' accuracy in assessing the traffic situation along the right side of the vehicle was not improved by the SODS, but was improved by the fender-mounted convex mirror. Verbal response times to Right Clear questions were significantly lower with the SODS and fender-mounted convex mirror than with standard mirrors. This difference may have resulted from a learning effect caused by presenting the standard mirrors first to each subject. Glance data showed that subjects only sometimes visually sampled the SODS displays. Responses to debriefing questionnaires indicated that subjects were receptive to the concept of SODS and very positive about the fender-mounted convex mirror. However, if SODS are to offer significant safety benefits in the future, more work is needed to refine their performance and design. |
