Information, assessment, or decision: a driving simulator study on the effect of real-time feedback based on information-processing stages

This driving simulator study, which focused on supporting drivers through feedback rather than automating the driving task, examined the effect of real-time feedback based on different stages of information processing on driving behaviour. The stages investigated included providing information alone, assessment of that information, and a decision based on that assessment, following Parasuraman, Sheridan, and Wickens’s (2000) model of information-processing automation. The acceptability and effectiveness of the different stages of feedback were assessed on two key driving behaviours: speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. The results indicated that feedback had a limited effect on driving behaviour. However, the stage of information processing in the feedback did affect a number of outcomes, with decision-oriented feedback leading to improved behaviours but less favourable attitudinal results. Future safety interventions should consider altering risk perception and beliefs, or providing external motivation for behavioural change. This simulator study investigated the effects of real-time feedback on driving behaviour. The feedback concerned different stages of processing: information, analysis, and decision. Results showed that decision feedback was most effective, although effects were small. This suggests that other factors, such as incentives, may be more important than providing feedback.