Journey decision making: the influence of dynamic information presented on variable message signs

Abstract

In many highways environments electronic media are increasingly being used to provide drivers with up-to-date information in order to influence driving decision making. These decisions may be associated with strategic choices, such as route selection, or tactical decisions, such as driving at a certain speed, or altering driving style. This paper presents a study that used two methods -- a scenario approach and a simulator study. This provides an insight into the role of information and other contextual influences in decision making in the driving context specifically, but also has useful implications for the way in which information should be designed in other decision making contexts such as travel using public transport or supporting real-time complex control operations. The use of two methods also enabled cross-study comparisons to be made, thus improving overall confidence in conclusions. The paper highlights the role of familiarity with information wording and context, level of detail, interpreted meaning, previous experience and contextual cues on trust in information and consequently behaviour in response to the information presented.