Synesthetic Metering for Speed - Evaluation Applied to Young Drivers’ Speeding

AbstractIn previous work, we have been talking about the reduction of accident levels by improving the driver's perception of the environment through multisensory interaction [27]. Being the vision the primary sense used during driving, it suffers a large overhead and, therefore, leaves space for the increased human error. For this reason it has been proposed the use of alternative means of communication by associating the sense of audition applied to the vehicular interface. The sense of audition used as a complementary interface involves several issues which have been identified such as the rhythm and intensity. The research described in this paper, instead, aims, first, at contributing to the reduction of accidents caused by speeding; and second, through the use the multisensory information, to aid the driver to maintain a more regular driving and controlled speed. It is a system for conscious users to whom is given the choice of establishing his limits, using his goals and needs as reference. Based on sound attributes, auditory communication and the aim of helping the driver to maintain a more regular speed for greater safety, a prototype system has been developed. As research methodology, tests were conducted, using a driving simulator, to evaluate the efficiency of the system, including user's preferences and comfort. Through the data obtained by the simulator, we sought to observe the variation of the average speed under the influence of time pressure. The questionnaire indicated no discomfort in using the auditory icons, also helping to keep a greater concentration on the road compared to the use of the speedometer only. Tests indicated that the duration of the trip as well as the dynamics of the landscape are important variables