Prof Carsten leads study on the most effective ISA systems

A new study, led by Professor Oliver Carsten at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, looked at the most effective and user-friendly human machine interface (HMI) options for Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). The study was commissioned by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and conducted in the University of Leeds Driving Simulator.

Speaking about the significance of the study, Professor Carsten said, "Intelligent Speed Assistance is one of set of diver assistance systems that will be fitted to all new vehicles sold in the EU under legislation that was passed in 2019. However, the precise Human Machine Interface (HMI) for ISA was not specified in the legislation, and instead will be specified in a detailed regulation prepared by the European Commission. This simulator study was intended to inform that regulation. Five alternative HMI designs were tested. While there was little difference in their immediate effect on speed compliance, the results indicate that the “beep” system was considered highly annoying, particularly in the presence of passengers. Thus this version cannot be recommended, as it is likely to be switched off by users."

ETSC has forwarded the results of the study to the European Commission and TRL, the Transport Research Laboratory who have been commissioned to help develop the technical requirements for ISA.

Click here to download the policy briefing on the results of the study.

The full study can be downloaded from the University of Leeds – Institute for Transport Studies website.