Excessive information harmful to drivers

2001/02/08 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Elektronika
• Softwarea

Computer cars within reach of the driver are no longer sci-fi inventions, but reality. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA, has conducted an investigation to measure the consequences of the overinformation obtained in the near future through the technology that will carry the car.

This study has been promoted by the Intelligent Vehicles Initiative of the Department of Transportation. Participants in this initiative encourage vehicles to use devices that alert the driver of dangers or recommend the best option. However, it is indicated that in certain circumstances the driver should take control to avoid accidents.

Automobile companies General Motors and Ford Motor are also conducting studies on this issue, mainly due to concerns raised by the use of mobile phone in drivers and in which traffic legislation applies.

The systems established in the driving simulator of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are currently available: mobile phone, system to avoid collisions, navigation system and computer connected to the Internet. Research has highlighted the problems that arise when paying attention to several systems at once.

Most drivers who took part in the test were able to drive as appropriately as possible, without leaving the track to follow the instructions and controls they were given. But in some cases they didn't take it all into account and managed to drive correctly. If it had actually happened, they would have suffered an accident.

According to the research director, the work of computers should be to organize messages. This way, the driver will receive a message and give you time to complete it before communicating the next message or order.