Attaining 100% Turn Signal Usage Using Low Cost Automated Driver-in-the-Loop System 2009-01-0551

Activation of turn signals for all vehicles is at the discretion of the driver by design and therefore practical on-the-road usage rates are unacceptably less than 100% by all drivers at all times, despite the fact that their usage is required by law. This paper describes a low cost, user friendly on-vehicle system that monitors a driver’s turn signal usage and compares this to measured vehicle dynamics. For nearly all drivers, this system is non-intrusive, but for the driver who repeatedly neglects to use turn signals, then a short duration reminder message is displayed to the driver. Driver’s habits are altered towards automatic use of turn signals, thus improving safety. The system has the potential to significantly reduce overall crash rates.