CHAPTER 1. ASSESSING
DRIVER ACCEPTANCE:
PROBLEM DEFINITION
The objective is to begin addressing the problem of user acceptance of in-vehicle technology as part of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Emphasis will be given to issues of acceptance associated with Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) and Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO). The main body of this report provides a broader context for considering these issues by discussing the multi-faceted problem of user acceptance of new technologies in general. The six specific points (a through f) defined in the Statement of Work are addressed in appendix A, (pp. 153-165). A review of the applicability of research approaches based on the assessment of attitude formation is given in appendix A.
The issue of user acceptance of new technology is a difficult one that cannot be fully explored within the scope of this project. The material presented in this report represents a culling of existing literature and data, some of which addresses general issues of technology acceptance and resistance, and some of which analyzes user reaction to specific systems. Each topic that is presented may influence an eventual product of this project through incorporation into system design guidelines, recommendations for training, or suggestions for facilitating the adopting of change in large organizations. The goal is to identify the options available for further research and to provide some guidance in the approach to studying user acceptance issues. ITS acceptance issues will not be resolved by literature review, but the information developed in this subtask provides a framework for productive investigations of driver acceptance of ATIS/CVO in-vehicle technologies.