Attitudes and opinions towards intelligent speed adaptation

This paper presents the results of the attitudinal and behavioural research undertaken as part of the NSW intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) trial. Over 110 light vehicles from private and company fleets were fitted with an advisory ISA device. In addition to the collection of speed records to measure compliance, drivers were asked to participate in quantitative and qualitative attitudinal research through focus groups, surveys and in-vehicle observations before, during and after their use of the device. The research examined a range of issues including motivators for using ISA, perceived benefits of the technology, and gathered feedback on the useability of the device. Analysis of pre and post-ISA attitudes towards speeding and self-reported speeding behaviour was also undertaken. Results from the attitudinal research indicated that a majority of participants reported a reduction in the margin by which they exceeded the speed limit. Some drivers reported speeding less frequently either because the ISA device made them more aware of the speed limit, or because they wanted to avoid the audible warnings. There were no widespread concerns about the technology being distracting. Participants also reported being more aware of exceeding the speed limit, therefore speeding became a conscious choice rather than an inadvertent action. The acceptability of the ISA technology was generally high, but most participants felt that there should be an element of choice for the driver on whether to install the ISA technology.