Head-Up Displays and Distraction Potential

DTNH22-11-D-00236Task Order 0019Head-up displays (HUDs) present opportunities and challenges for mitigating driver distraction. HUDs may improve safety by reducing the time required to view driving-related information relative to a traditional head-down display (HDD). However, because the HUD is in the driver\u2019s field of view, drivers may fixate on it and fail to perceive events in the environment. This study used 48 participants in the dataset and investigated driver use of a HUD, an HDD, and an aftermarket, phone-based display by measuring visual behavior during public road driving. Additionally, participants completed a task that used the displays to assess reactions to a surprise event on the Virginia Smart Road. Results showed participants had faster glances to a HUD when drivers were asked to read driving information; however, drivers were more likely to glance at the HUD than other displays while driving. While driving on a closed test track, drivers were asked to fixate on their assigned display (HDD, HUD, or aftermarket display) during a surprise event (an object dropped in the road). Reactions with the HUD were no faster than the HDD or aftermarket display while fixating on displays