Field Trial in Italy. Evaluation of the effects of the SASPENCE system on driver behaviour.

Summary, in English

This document describes the evaluation of the Safe Speed and Safe Distance system, developed in the framework of the SASPENCE subproject, considering driver behaviour, reactions and acceptance when driving with it in real traffic conditions. The findings show positive effects of the system in terms of fewer alarm situations, shorter alarm lengths, shorter reaction times, larger headway, better speed adaptation on motorway ramps, better interactions with vulnerable road users and motor vehicles at intersections, less inappropriate positioning at intersections, increased attention, decreased workload. On the negative side, it can be noted that the drivers approached curves with higher speed, the number of events with bad adaptation of speed at intersections increased, worsened driver performance, increased number of centre line crossing, worse facilitating behaviour for other drivers, more disrespectful behaviour towards other drivers on motorway ramps, harder braking at traffic lights, worse response to unforeseen behaviour of others. No major effect on attentiveness and advance planning, driver workload, overtaking, red running, use of turning indicator, lane change, lane keeping, lane choice, yielding behaviour or the emotional state of the drivers was found.

• Author: Andras Varhelyi; Emeli Adell; Mauro D'Alessandro; Mario Dalla Fontana
• Department/s: Transport and Roads
• Publishing year: 2007
• Language: English
• Publication/Series: Report, C20.72, SASPENCE, PReVENT Consortium.
• Document type: Report
• Publisher: [Publisher information missing]
• Topic: Infrastructure Engineering
• Status: Published