Assessment of Usability of Digital Side Mirror Technology Concerning Parking Speed and Accuracy

Abstract This paper focuses on the comparison of traditional and digital side mirrors in passenger cars during parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers. The study was conducted on a closed testing ground, where data were collected through field measurements involving a relatively homogeneous group of drivers. The primary aim of the research was to evaluate how the use of digital mirrors affects parking speed and accuracy compared to traditional mirrors, and whether this new technology offers tangible benefits in terms of usability and safety. The key parameters, such as the time required to complete the parking maneuver and the accuracy of the vehicle’s positioning within the parking space, were recorded during the measurements. The data obtained from this research were then subjected to Pearson’s Chi-squared test to evaluate the drivers’ dependence and comfort with the digital side mirror technology. The analysis of the collected data revealed statistically significant differences between the two types of mirrors, with results indicating lower accuracy and higher time consumption when parking with digital mirrors compared to traditional ones. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that digital side mirrors, although representing a modern technological advancement, may have limited practical usability in terms of safety and efficiency, particularly in maneuvers requiring a high degree of precision. Therefore, the study highlights the need for further research and optimisation of this technology to ensure it can be fully utilised in everyday driving, providing drivers with comparable or greater comfort and safety than traditional side mirrors.