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This paper describes how information available through the OnStar system represents a unique and powerful mechanism to assess field crash rates. Included within is a description of how vehicle and OnStar information may be gathered, organized and analyzed. The resulting data provides the capability to conducts various studies of field activity and/or events. In this case, a study was conducted to try to determine if certain vehicle equipment might have an impact on field crash rates. The process is exemplified via a description of a study conducted by GM OnStar in 2009. Two analyses were conducted comparing crash rates of selected vehicle models, with and without certain advanced safety sensing and warning features. Specifically, beginning in the 2008 Model Year, General Motors introduced Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert into US/Canada production. Utilizing data on crashes, drawn from OnStar Automatic Crash Response events, analyses of crash rates were conducted.

This study examines the performance and subject acceptance level of a hand-operated brake actuator. Using a fixed-base vehicle simulator, data for driver reaction time, stopping time, distance, deceleration, customer acceptance and mental workload were collected. Data for three prototype hand-operated brake actuators and traditional foot-operated brake were compared. An additional test, designed to evaluate anthropometrics, sensitivity, and comfort was performed during training. A user preference survey to determine handbrake acceptance was given to subjects after completing the driving test in the simulator. In certain trials, participants were given the choice of handbrake or footbrake for an unexpected stop condition. When placed into an unexpected braking situation, subjects showed faster brake-application times for operating the hand-operated brake, indicating potential for reduced braking distance.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the introduction of the Night Vision System on the 2000 Cadillac DeVille was the use of multimedia (i.e., written and video) customer education materials. These materials were designed to allow drivers to properly understand the strengths and limitations of the feature, and allow them to take full advantage of the potential benefits of Night Vision technology. These materials were developed utilizing existing technical knowledge and important information gained from a focused study on user comprehension of customer education materials. The study was conducted to support and help ensure the successful introduction of the Night Vision feature. As of preparation of this paper, the Cadillac DeVille continues to include a Video Owner's Guide addressing Night Vision as part of the vehicle content.