An examination of driver performance under reduced visibility conditions when using an in-vehicle signing and information system (ISIS)

Biever, Wayne J; Collins, Dennis J; Dingus, Thomas A; Neale, Vicki L · 1999 · ROSA P / United States. Federal Highway Administration

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Summary

This study investigates the impact of an In-Vehicle Signing Information System (ISIS) on driver performance under reduced visibility conditions. Motivated by the need for human factors design guidelines for Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), the research addresses whether ISIS displays—which replicate road sign information within the vehicle—provide safety benefits when external visibility is compromised by rain, darkness, or complex road geometries. The study specifically examines general benefits, additional advantages under adverse weather or night driving, effects on older drivers, and potential adverse impacts on behavior. The researchers conducted a field experiment involving 58 participants: 35 younger drivers (ages 18–30) and 23 older drivers (ages 65–75). Participants drove an instrumented 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora on a 5.5-mile route containing 15 specific events, including marked and unmarked regulatory and advisory situations (e.g., stop signs, curves, tunnels). The experimental design manipulated visibility conditions (rain vs. clear, day vs. night) and ISIS usage (on vs. off). The ISIS display presented warning, regulatory, and advisory information approximately 3 to 5 seconds before an event, accompanied by an auditory attention signal. Data collection utilized cameras and sensors to measure three objective performance metrics: end event speed, maximum deceleration, and reaction distance. Subjective data regarding awareness, timeliness, safety, and distraction were collected via post-test questionnaires. The results demonstrated that ISIS usage yielded significant performance benefits across all driver groups. Drivers using the ISIS exhibited significantly lower end event speeds and greater reaction distances compared to those without the system, indicating more cautious and timely responses to road events. Subjectively, drivers reported higher awareness of road sign information, perceived the information as more timely, and found it easier to gather. While no statistically significant *additional* benefits were found for adverse weather or night driving in the aggregate analysis, evidence suggested that ISIS provided particular advantages in complex, unfamiliar, or low-visibility scenarios. Older drivers also benefited from the system, showing no additional weather-related advantages but maintaining the general performance improvements. No adverse impacts on driving behavior were observed, though some younger drivers found the auditory alert distracting. The study concludes that ISIS displays offer clear safety benefits by improving speed control and reaction timing without negatively affecting driver performance. The findings support the inclusion of ISIS features in future ATIS designs, provided the system allows sufficient time for perception and response. The authors recommend that designers enable driver control over auditory alert volume to mitigate distraction and suggest further research into system integration within complex visual environments. These results contribute to the development of precise human factors guidelines for in-vehicle information systems, emphasizing their utility in enhancing situational awareness during challenging driving conditions.

Key finding

Use of an In-Vehicle Signing Information System resulted in significantly lower end event speeds and greater reaction distances for drivers across all age groups and visibility conditions.

Methodology

on_road

Sample size: 58

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• visual occlusion
• sensory abilities
• hud ar windshield
• useful field of view
• weather rain fog snow

Information type

What kind of knowledge this paper contributes, grouped by family — independent of topic (what it is about) and method (how it was studied).

• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Methodological Resource: tool software, validation psychometrics