Fall 2001

ME/IE 8773-8774

Distractions and Attractions: Considering the Effect of Emerging In-Vehicle Technology on Driving Safety

by

John D. Lee
Associate Professor
Department of Industrial Engineering
University of Iowa

Wednesday, October 24, 2001
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Room 108 ME
Broadcast on UNITE Channel A
Coffee and cookies will be available in 152 ME following the seminar

Recent advances in computer, wireless, and sensor technology have revealed new opportunities to enhance as well as degrade driving safety. Low-cost sensors and sophisticated signal processing algorithms have made collision warning systems possible. At the same time, wireless technology has also made email and internet access possible from within the car. The distraction potential of these systems points towards an increased need to explore how collision avoidance technology can preserve driving safety. Recent research shows that obvious solutions, such as speech-based interaction, may not avoid distracting the driver and that less obvious solutions, such as vibrating seats, offer a promising alternative to direct drivers attention to the road in collision situations.

John D. Lee is an associate professor of industrial engineering at the University of Iowa. He has a background in engineering and psychology, with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has ten years of research and consulting experience aimed at matching human capabilities to the demands of technologically intensive systems. His research interests include interface design, human adaptation to technological innovation, and human performance modeling. Current research projects address modeling driver behavior, understanding the cognitive demands of in-vehicle technology and trust in automation. He is the author of over 100 journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, and technical reports.

Informal Faculty Luncheon: Wednesday, October 31, 2001, 12:00 noon. If you want to go to lunch, meet outside 1100 ME a little before 12:00 noon. Prof. Lee will be able to attend.