Driver Behavior and User Acceptance of Cooperative Systems Based on Infrastructure-to-Vehicle Communication

Cooperative systems applying infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication to intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are a key means to ensure safe and efficient driving in the increasingly overloaded infrastructure. In the European project COOPERS (Co-operative Systems for Intelligent Road Safety), a 48-month integrated project cofunded by the European Commission, a simulator test of I2V communication systems was performed with 51 participants to evaluate driver behavior and user acceptance. I2V communication systems appear to influence driver behavior in a positive manner. Drivers remain calmer in stressful situations, and the direct influence on road safety can be observed in reduced driving speeds before dangerous situations occur. Thus, a positive indication for driver support during dangerous situations can be obtained. User acceptance results show that the already high expectations of end users toward cooperative systems are being exceeded. The fact that test subjects agreed to purchase cooperative systems, such as COOPERS, as soon as they are commercially available underlines the positive attitude toward the system.