Publication
Driver Support Systems: Estimating road safety effects at different levels of implementation
A prime objective of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) which are applied in road transportation is to reduce the number of accidents. A subset of ITS is Driver Support Systems (DSS), i.e. systems that support the driver in handling information, provide warnings, or interfere in the process of maneuvering the car. The present overview will provide ex ante estimates regarding the effects on accidents of Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Maximum Speed Governor, Alcolock, Seat-belt Lock, Sleep Warning Systems, Programmable Ignition Key, Adaptive Cruise Control and Electronic Stability Control. The estimation methods will, except for ESC, be by proxy, i.e. assumed effect on certain accident types or other surrogate variables. Focus will be on systems that limit or hinder drivers in engaging in behaviours that are deliberate violations of traffic law. Estimates of lives saved are based on in-depth investigation of fatal accidents possibly prevented if respective systems had been installed in the cars when the accidents took place.