Toward better use of human machine interaction (HMI) knowledge for safety of roadside and in-vehicle ITS - a policy framework for road authorities

A positioning paper has been prepared for CEDR, Subgroup Telematics during 2002-2004. The objective of the paper was to state a clear CEDR view with regard to developments in the field of Human Machine Interaction (HMI) related to in-vehicle and roadside intelligent transport systems (ITS). HMI is an increasingly important factor determining road traffic safety and is considered as a specific field which is usually directed towards ergonomic issues relating to the human interacting with the machine/technology. Although, in recent time, this field has been extended to comprise the human in relation to his/her close environment, the road environment. Safety of the road transport is a direct outcome of the performance of interactions between the driver, the vehicle, the road infrastructure and the environment. HMI is crucial in this respect, especially with the increase of new technology along the roadside and in vehicles. From the HMI point of view, there is a need for uniform and adequate presentation of all kinds of messages (regulatory, danger warning and informative messages) on VMS (Variable Message Signs), both in rural and in urban environment. Research programs in this field have been carried out and there are research results available. However, little of such knowledge has so far been integrated and implemented in the road transport system. Guidelines/ regulations/specifications for design - for both in-vehicle and road-side applications - constitutes the missing link between HMI research carried out and the knowledge implemented in road transport system. The National Road Administrations of CEDR normally share responsibility for traffic safety with different authorities. The NRA's differ in responsibility with respect to traffic safety and their attention given to the subject of HMI. An improvement of road safety remains an overall objective for all relevant authorities. To reach these goals it is important to achieve a common understanding about National Road Administrations´ role in the development of HMI related to road safety objectives. Therefore, based on a holistic approach, both theoretical considerations and recommendations regarding in-vehicle and roadside HMI are launched in this paper. Conclusions of this paper are expressed as CEDR priorities and suggested NRA actions related to HMI aspects of in-vehicle and road side use of ITS (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD E212343.