CHAPTER 2.
METHOD
This experiment examined the effect
of ATIS message characteristics and availability of ATIS and roadway information
on driving safety and compliance. ATIS warning messages were presented to drivers
using a low-fidelity automotive simulator equipped with an easily reconfigurable
ATIS. The vehicle was equipped so that ATIS messages could be presented visually,
through liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, or auditorially through speakers.
The visual scene of the simulation could also be controlled to present drivers
with roadway information in a form similar to the changeable-message signs found
on many highways.
Driving safety and compliance with warning messages were estimated directly with several measures. In addition, several intervening variables were measured to provide a deeper understanding of cognitive processes that mediate the effect of ATIS design characteristics on driver behavior, given particular driver and roadway characteristics.