Intelligent Intersection Support for powered two-wheeled riders: a human factors perspective

Given that intersections represent particularly hazardous situations for riders of powered two wheelers, an intelligent intersection support system has been developed. This system provides a warning whenever the rider approaches an intersection at an unsafe speed. This study reports the results of a pilot evaluation of the system from a human factors perspective. In a motorcycle simulator, the system was tested with two alternative rider interfaces: a force feedback throttle and a haptic glove. Riding with the system versions was compared with riding without support. Although the number of potentially critical situations did not decrease when using the system, the results confirm that the warnings by both system versions led to a significantly reduced approach speed to the intersection, at least in a rural scenario. The riders perceived more benefits from riding with the intersection support when the warning was transmitted by the haptic glove than when they received the alert by the force feedback throttle. Accordingly, the acceptance of the latter system version was much lower. Relevant factors for the safety potential of the intersection support system are discussed and further research needs are deduced from the limitations of the study. © 2012 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.