Evaluating effectiveness and acceptance of advanced driving assistance systems using field operational test

Abstract

A large number of reported road collisions are caused by driver inattention, and inappropriate driving behaviour. This study investigated the effectiveness and acceptance of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) for driver age groups, gender, occupation (professional/non-professional), and road type (expressway, urban roads, and semiurban road) based on the Field Operational Test (FOT). The ADAS is provided with assistance features, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Traffic Speed Recognition Warning (TSRW). In total, the FOT involved 30 participants who drove the test vehicle twice (once in the stealth phase and once in the active phase). The FOT included three sections: expressway (20.60 km), urban road (7.2 km), and semi-urban road (13.35 km). A questionnaire was used to determine user acceptance of the ADAS technology. In addition, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were carried out to determine ADAS's significant effects. The FOT results showed statistically significant differences in the LDW's acceptance and effectiveness for gender, age group, occupation, and road type before and after exposure to ADAS. Male participants showed significant lateral behavior improvement compared to female participants. Old-aged drivers scored the highest acceptance score for the technology compared to middle and young-aged drivers. The subjective ratings ranked the assistance features in descending order as TSRW, LDW, and FCW. This study's findings can support policy development and induce trust in the public for the technology adoption to improve road traffic safety.