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Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Research

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has established itself as the leading Australian organization undertaking research into the impact of in-vehicle Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) on driver performance, behaviour and safety.

Listed below are some current and recent projects undertaken by MUARC.

Intelligent Transport Systems: Safety and Human Factors Issues

MUARC prepared for the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) a report which brings together a large body of literature concerned with the safety and human factors issues relevant to the design, deployment and evaluation of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technologies. The report reviews both in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle ITS that have the potential to prevent crashes from occurring, to reduce the injury consequences of crashes, and to minimise exposure to crash risk. Special attention is given to the safety and human factors issues relevant to the design and deployment of ITS for high risk road users, such as young drivers, older drivers and motorcyclists. Project Sponsor: Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV)

Regan, M., Oxley, J. A., Godley, S. T. & Tingvall, C. (2001) Intelligent transport systems: safety and human factors issues, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Report No. 01/01 (.pdf at RACV)

TAC SafeCar Project

The TAC SafeCar project is a joint research, development and evaluation project involving as key partners the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, Ford Australia and the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). The project brings together a broad range of local and international supporting partners from government and industry including Autoliv, Barker Technics Pty Ltd, Bosch, Digital Device Development Group Pty Ltd, Intelematics, OzTrak, PC Host, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, VicRoads, Victoria Police and Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd.

The aim of this project is to stimulate demand in Australia by company fleet car owners, and in the longer term by the general community, for in-vehicle ITS technologies that have significant potential to reduce the incidence and severity of road trauma.

Phase 1 of the project culminated in the identification of several in-vehicle ITS with significant potential to reduce road trauma and property damage in Victoria. In Phase 2, two Ford passenger cars were equipped as prototypes with these technologies. In Phase 3, 15 Ford passenger cars were equipped with a sub-set of these technologies: intelligent speed adaptation; following distance warning; set belt reminder and reverse collision warning. During Phase 4, which is currently underway, MUARC is evaluating behavioural adaptation to, technical operation of, and user acceptance of the technologies equipped to the 15 Ford fleet cars. The vehicles are being driven by 30 drivers, each of whom will drive a vehicle for about 17,000km. The systems are programmed to turn on and off at pre-set times and an on-board data logger will automatically record vehicle speed, headway and other safety-related parameters several times a second during the trial. User acceptance of the technologies is also being scientifically assessed. Project Sponsors: Transport Accident Commission of Victoria and Ford Motor Company of Australia.

No reports are yet available, although many conference papers describing the research can be obtained from MUARC. The following conference paper summarises the key design features of the study:

Regan, M.A., Mitsopoulos, E., Triggs, T., J., Tomasevic, N., Healy, D., Tierney, P., and Connelly, K., (2003). 'Multiple in-vehicle intelligent transport systems: Update on the Australian TAC SafeCar Project'. In the proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems. Madrid, Spain, 16 – 19 November, 2003.

Regan, M., Triggs, T., Young, K., Tomasevic, N., Mitsopoulos, E., Stephan, K. & Tingvall, C. (2006) On-road evaluation of Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Following Distance Warning and Seatbelt Reminder Systems: final results of the TAC SafeCar project, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Report No. 253

TAC SafeCar Flyer [.pdf 166KB]        TAC SafeCar Poster [.pdf 200KB]

Community Acceptance of In-vehicle ITS Technologies

A number of in-vehicle ITS technologies with significant potential to reduce road trauma have been developed or are under development. Very few, however, have entered the Australian market. To have any safety impact at all, these technologies must first be purchased by fleet car owners and ordinary motorists. They will not be purchased, however, unless consumers are made aware of their existence and, once they are aware of them, they deem the technologies to be acceptable to them – that is, they deem them to be affordable, useful, effective, easy to use and socially acceptable. Market research is undertaken routinely around the world to make consumers aware of new products and to establish what are consumer needs in relation to new products. This approach has not generally been taken in relation to the design, development and deployment of in-vehicle intelligent transport technologies. Because Australia is at a very early stage in the deployment of in-vehicle ITS technologies, research of this kind is critical in order to understand, even before drivers interact with emerging systems, user needs and to identify the potential barriers that might exist to the voluntary and mandatory uptake of ITS technologies that are estimated to have significant safety potential. This report describes research undertaken for the RACV to assess the acceptability to a sample of Victorian car drivers of seven in-vehicle ITS technologies from which they are likely to derive significant safety benefit. The systems examined were: forward collision warning; intelligent speed adaptation; automatic crash notification; electronic licence; alcohol interlock; fatigue monitoring; and lane departure warning. The critical concerns raised by participants that are likely to deter them from voluntarily purchasing and using these systems were identified. Estimates were also made of the annual savings in crash numbers and costs associated with the deployment in Victoria of the systems. Project Sponsor: Royal Automobile Club of Victoria

Regan, M., Mitsopoulos, E., Haworth, N. & Young, K. (2002) Acceptability of in-vehicle intelligent transport systems to Victorian car drivers, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Report No. 02/02 (.pdf at RACV)

In-vehicle ITS and Young Novice Driver Safety

The aim of this project is to select, trial and evaluate the effectiveness of one or more in-vehicle ITS technologies that are estimated to have significant potential to reduce the incidence and severity of young novice driver road crashes in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW).

The first phase of the research program, funded by the Motor Accidents Authority of NSW, involved the selection of several ITS technologies most likely to enhance the safety of young novice driver sub-groups in NSW, and focus testing to measure the level of acceptance of these technologies among those drivers. Barriers to the successful deployment of these technologies to young novice drivers were identified. The systems examined were: intelligent speed adaptation; forward collision warning; following distance warning; lane departure warning; fatigue warning; alcohol interlock and sniffer system; drink driver performance test; seat belt reminder; and electronic licence. Subsequent phases of this project, if funded, will involve an on-the-road evaluation of one or two of these technologies. Project Sponsor: Motor Accidents Authority of NSW

Young, K. L., Regan, M., Mitsopoulos, E. & Haworth, N. (2003) Acceptability of in-vehicle intelligent transport systems to young novice drivers in NSW, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Report No. 199

Intelligent Speed Adaptation and Heavy Vehicles

The aim of this 3-Phase project is to assess the potential costs and benefits of intelligent speed adaptation technologies for heavy vehicles in Australia. Phases 1 and 2 of the project are being conducted by MUARC, with funding from Austroads. Austroads has not yet contracted any organisation to undertake Phase 3.

In Stage 1, MUARC conducted a comprehensive review of literature on intelligent speed adaptation for both light and heavy vehicles. The report describes ISA alerting and limiting technologies, the infrastructure required to support these technologies, studies undertaken here and overseas to evaluate the effectiveness of the technologies, costs and benefits of implementing ISA in Australia, and possible approaches for deploying ISA in Australia.

In Stage 2, MUARC developed a research and logistic plan for conducting Phase 3 of the study. Phase 3 will comprise a large scale on-road study in which a fleet of heavy vehicles weighing 4.5 tonnes or more will be equipped with ISA systems. Behavioural adaptation to, technical operation of, and user acceptance of the technologies equipped to the heavy vehicles will be evaluated. Project Sponsor: AUSTROADS

Regan, M., Young, K. & Haworth, N. (2003) A review of literature and trials of Intelligent Speed Adaptation devices for light and heavy vehicles, Austroads, AP-0R237/03 - available from Austroads site

Regan, M.A., Connell., K., Young, K., Haworth, N., Mitsopoulos, E., Tomasevic, N., Triggs, T and Hjalmdahl, M. (2003). Intelligent Speed Adaptation for heavy vehicles. Stage 2: Evaluation framework and action plan. Austroads Report. Sydney, Australia: Austroads. (In press).

Intelligent Access Project - Heavy Vehicle Overspeed Thresholds

The aim of this project is to derive, from scientific data, algorithms for determining the relative effects of setting different over-speed thresholds for heavy vehicles participating in the Austroads-funded Intelligent Access (IAP) Project. The project will conclude in January/February 2005. Project Sponsor: AUSTROADS

In progress.

Minimising Driver Distraction and Workload

Car cockpits, like aircraft cockpits, are becoming more complex. In the car, communication, entertainment, telematics, and collision warning and avoidance systems with which the driver will increasingly interact have the potential to flood drivers with information and distract him or her from the primary driving task. If the interface through which the driver interacts with these systems is ergonomically designed, driver distraction and workload will be minimised.

In this project, the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is assisting Holden to develop and evaluate HMI design concepts for Holden vehicles which minimise driver distraction and workload. MUARC has the most sophisticated driving simulator and eye tracking systems in Australia and will use these systems and other research methods during the study. The first Phase of the project involved a comprehensive review of the literature on driver distraction which documents what is known about the effects of distraction on driver performance and safety and techniques for measuring distraction. The next phase of the study will use knowledge derived from the report to develop the methods for assessing driver interfaces. Project Sponsor: Holden

Young, K., Regan, M. & Hammer, M. (2003) Driver distraction: a review of the literature, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Report No. 206

ITS and Aviation Safety

Accidents and incidents on airport ramps (on the tarmac area immediately surrounding the airport terminal) is an area of growing concern to the Australian and international aviation community. This project is examining how ITS systems could be used to improve ramp safety. The work will identify problems in ramp traffic management, operations and logistics, and how ramp accidents occur. This will lead to the identification of potential ITS solutions that address the highest priority safety concerns in ramp operations. Sponsor: Strategic Monash University Research Fund (SMURF)

Horberry, T., Regan, M.A., and Toukhsati, S.R. (2004). Airport Ramp safety and Intelligent Transport Systems. Monash University Accident Research Centre Client Report prepared for the Strategic Monash University Research Fund (SMURF).

ITS and Ambulance Operations

In this study, MUARC assessed the ergonomic and safety implications of equipping to Rural Ambulance Victoria ambulances a computer-based electronic patient record management system known as VACIS (Victorian Ambulance Clinical Information System). The VACIS system provides a platform for future integration in ambulances of ITS and telematics technologies. Report : Not available to the public. Sponsor : Rural Ambulance Victoria

ITS and Forklift Safety

A project recently undertaken by MUARC concerned the use of ITS for forklifts. The work consisted of installing two different ITS devices on forklifts at a major manufacturing site. The ITS chosen were a speed limiting/load sensing device, and an intelligent seatbelt interlock system. Both were designed to address known forklift safety problems. Sponsor: WorkCover Victoria

Horberry, T., Larsson, T., Johnston, I and Lambert, J. (2003). Forklift Safety Demonstration Project. MUARC Client Report for WorkCover Victoria. Melbourne, Australia: MUARC.

ITS and Logistic Operations

MUARC undertook a project to assess the possible safety benefits of Intelligent Transport Systems in the Logistics Operations of a major steel manufacturer. This included the development of a framework for assessing ITS needs and specifying ITS solutions. Sponsor: BlueScope Steel

Horberry, T., Gunatilaka, A., and Regan, M. (2004). Assessment of the possible safety benefits of Intelligent Transport Systems in the Logistics Operations of BlueScope Steel. MUARC Client Report for BlueScope Steel. Melbourne, Australia: MUARC.

Benefits of Seat Belt Reminder Systems

This study set out to examine whether a more intelligent seat belt reminder than that currently installed in vehicles would be cost-beneficial for Australia. Benefits were computed for three device options. Costs were derived from data provided by industry experts. The findings from this study show that Benefit-Cost-Ratios ranged from 5.1:1 at best (simple device for the driver only) to 0.7:1 depending on the type of device fitted, its assumed effectiveness, the discount rate, and the fleet life figure applied. Sponsor: Australian Transport Safety Bureau

Fildes, B., Fitzharris, M., Koppel, S. & Vulcan, P. (2002) Benefits of seat belt reminder systems, Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), CR 211a - .pdf [376KB]

ITS and Older Drivers

Car cockpits are becoming more complex. In the car, communication, entertainment, telematics, and collision warning and avoidance systems with which the driver will increasingly interact have the potential to flood drivers with information and distract him or her from the primary driving task. Older drivers are more vulnerable than younger drivers to the potentially distracting effects of information deriving from these emerging systems.

In this study he visual scanning patterns of younger and older drivers are being measured using the Seeing Machines FaceLAB eye tracking system. The findings from the study will be used to inform the ergonomic design of the interface for passenger cars in a manner which caters for the special needs of older drivers. Sponsor: Holden.

Work in progress.

Use of In-Vehicle Intelligent Transport Systems to Aid Calibration in Young Novice Drivers

This research is being conducted by MUARC PhD student Ms Eve Mitsopoulos, under the joint supervision of MUARC Senior Research fellow Dr Michael Regan and MUARC Deputy Director Professor Tom Triggs. This project will examine how ITS can be used to assist young novice drivers to calibrate their driving performances to the changing task demands of the traffic management system.

PhD research in progress.

Intelligent Speed Adaptation and Driver Experience

This research was conducted by Department of Psychology Honours student Keren Jontof-Hutter under the joint supervision of MUARC Senior Research Fellow Dr Michael Regan and MUARC Deputy Director Professor Tom Triggs. The study is investigating, in the MUARC advanced driving simulator, driver adaptation to Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology. The study is concerned in particular with the effects of driver experience and type of ISA system (informative versus actively supporting) on driver performance and safety. The study formed part of the TAC SafeCar project. Sponsor : Department of Psychology/Transport Accident Commission.

Report in preparation.

Driver Distraction Deriving from Outside the Vehicle

This research, being conducted by MUARC PhD student Jessica Edquist under the joint supervision of MUARC researchers Dr Tim Horberry, Dr Michael Regan and Professor Ian Johnston, is investigating, in the MUARC advanced driving simulator, the effects on driver performance and safety of distracting visual clutter in the road environment. Sponsor : Australian Research Council Linkage Grant

Work in progress.

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)

MUARC Senior Research Fellow, Dr Michael Regan, is the Australian Representative on ISO Technical Committee 22, Sub-Committee 13, Working Group 8, which develops international standards for the ergonomic design of the Human Machine Interface (HMI) for ITS technologies equipped to vehicles. Dr Regan is one the world’s leading authorities in this area. WG8 is currently developing, among other things, standards for the integration of warnings in ITS-equipped vehicles and for the measurement and quantification of visual and cognitive distraction.

Dr Regan is also a Member of Standards Australia Committee IT23 (Transport Information and Control Systems) and Standards Australia Committee SF 21 (Human Factors).

New ITS Projects (2004):

  • Compumedics – fatigue warning device simulator evaluation
  • BlueScope Steel – ITS and safety in steel operations
  • MUARC Strategic Development Fund – The Virtual Fence
  • MUARC Strategic Development Fund – development of an ITS Strategic Research Plan
  • Victoria Police – ergonomics and safety of mobile data terminals
  • MAS/RAV – ergonomics and safety of ambulance mobile data terminals
  • VicRoads – simulator evaluation of low cost level crossing warning device
  • PolyM – simulator evaluation of emergency vehicle approach warning system
  • Confidential client – smart pavement markers capturing speed data
  • RTA NSW– simulator evaluation of new traffic signalling arrangement

More Information?

For more information on any of these projects, contact:
Dr Michael Regan
Senior Research Fellow
Monash University Accident Research Centre
Building 70, Monash University VIC 3800
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61 3 9905 1838
Fax: +61 3 9905 4363
Email: michael.regan@general.monash.edu.au

Other reports:

External Links

Monash University does not endorse any particular person or organisation. This list is provided as a resource and is by no means exhaustive. Monash University (through the Accident Research Centre) is not responsible for any service or advice provided by those listed, nor responsible for any action taken on the basis of that advice.