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This paper summarizes the method and results of a study that evaluated driver comprehension and perceived appropriateness of six symbols for an in-vehicle crash avoidance system. The primary objective of the study was to select a symbol for implementation in subsequent test track and field studies aimed at examining an in-vehicle system which would warn drivers when they may be about to run a red light or stop sign. Two age groups were tested; an 18-49 year old group and an above 50 year old group. A symbol depicting a generic traffic light and stop sign had the highest overall comprehension and scored high on the appropriateness ranking part of the study. This symbol also has the production feasibility advantage of being the simplest intersection warning icon tested. Hence, this symbol was recommended for future test track and field testing for the stop sign/signal violation system under development.

This paper summarizes the activities and results of a preliminary human factors review for the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) Program. The objective of the project was to identify human factors work that needs to be done early in the life cycle of the IVI program to ensure safe and well-engineered vehicles. This project was comprised of two major subtasks. Subtask 1 provided for a “Preliminary IVI Human Factors Technology Workshop” to draw together the stakeholders in the IVI program and define the technologies and the human factors issues that should be considered in developing an IVI. Subtask 2 investigated the preliminary infrastructure and human factors in-vehicle requirements for alternative candidate configurations of an IVI.

This paper describes the application of human factors research tools to the design of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). A key issue in the conduct of human factors research for ITS is to select a research tool that provides the desired design information at the lowest technical risk and lowest cost. Below, we describe three studies that addressed human performance issues associated with ITS, each using tools that were selected on the basis of explicit research objectives. Using the appropriate research tools will allow the human factors professional to meet the needs of ITS designers and developers and, most important of all, the drivers who will benefit from these systems.