Effects of Vision Enhancement Systems (VES) on Older Drivers' Ability to Drive Safely at Night and in Inclement Weather: Visual Human Factors Analysis of In-Vehicle Heads Up Display (HUD)

Abstract

The HUD system is intended to improve driving performance in conditions of limited visibility. The HUD system projects lines that correspond to the sides and center line of the roadway onto the windshield of the vehicle, thus aiding the driver in times of low visibility. The author found that the simple, monochromatic image avoided many problems associated with other more complicated HUD designs and that the use of conformal imagery (projecting the image over the actual view) enhanced the effectiveness of the system. This analysis complements the analysis of simulated in-vehicle head-up display done by Caird, Horrey, Chugh, and Edwards. Their report, The Effects of Conformal and Non-Conformal Vision Enhancement Systems on Older Driver Performance, is included as an appendix to this report.