Driver response to the TetraStar Navigation Assistance System by age and sex

Kostyniuk, Lidia P.; Eby, David W.; Hopp, Michelle L.; Christoff, Carl · 1997 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Transportation Research Institute

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Summary

This study evaluated driver perceptions, usage patterns, and valuation of the TetraStar in-vehicle navigation assistance system, a component of the FAST-TRAC Intelligent Transportation System operational test in Michigan. The research aimed to determine how users perceived the system's advantages and disadvantages during everyday driving, whether it affected stress or travel times, and if users would purchase the technology. The study specifically analyzed responses by age (19–29, 30–64, and 65–80) and sex, comparing TetraStar against a previously tested system, Ali-Scout. The methodology involved 60 subjects randomly selected from a prior Ali-Scout study, ensuring all participants had prior experience with in-vehicle navigation technology. Subjects were divided into six groups based on sex and age. Each participant drove a project-leased vehicle equipped with TetraStar for one month during normal daily conditions. Data collection included daily driver logs recording trip details and system usage, as well as a detailed survey administered during the third week of participation. The survey assessed ease of use, distraction levels, perceived benefits, willingness to pay, and comparative preferences between TetraStar and Ali-Scout. Results indicated that drivers generally rated TetraStar highly, with frequent usage across all demographics. Street address entry was the most common destination selection method, while the freeway ramp method received consistently negative assessments for ease of use. Significant demographic differences emerged: men reported higher distraction levels and a greater desire for advanced warning and additional navigation information than women. Drivers aged 65–80 experienced significantly more difficulty learning and using the destination selection system compared to younger groups. Despite these challenges, subjects overwhelmingly preferred TetraStar over Ali-Scout, citing more accurate route guidance and easier programming. Valuation data showed subjects were willing to pay approximately $500 for the system in a new car, $350 as an add-on, and $8.50 per day for rental use. The study concludes that TetraStar is a well-received navigation aid that offers superior performance compared to earlier systems like Ali-Scout. However, the findings highlight the need for improved interface design for older users and better destination entry methods, particularly for freeway ramps. The high willingness to pay suggests strong market potential for such Advanced Traveler Information Systems, provided usability issues for specific demographic groups are addressed.

Key finding

Drivers overwhelmingly preferred TetraStar over Ali-Scout for its accuracy and ease of use, though the oldest age group struggled more with learning the system and men reported higher distraction levels than women.

Methodology

naturalistic

Sample size: 60

Provenance

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

Topics

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• nav systems

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: self report data, observational prevalence