Evaluation of the potential efficiency of driving aids

An evaluation of 14 driving aids specially designed to improve safety is presented. The following question was asked: would the accident have taken place if any of the parties involved had one of these aids at his disposal? To answer, the authors used 350 police reports, referring to results from files of in-depth accident studies. By appropriate statistical means (correspondence analyses) the efficiency of each driving aid in each situation and condition was specified, not only to determine what is globally at stake, but also to get an idea of more precise targets: driving aids particularly fitted to specific problems. A typology of accidents, drivers´ needs, and efficient aids is analyzed. Conclusions are drawn about devices that appear most promising.<>