Alerts of driver assistance systems through vibrations in the steering wheel can be beneficial over acoustic warnings, for audio warnings are often ignored, says Dr. Mark Vollrath, Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig (Germany).
Tactile signals such as a vibrating steering wheel are directed only to the driver, not the passengers. The acceptance of the discrete warning is therefore higher.
At the fourth International Conference about Steering Systems, held in Düsseldorf (Germany) by the Car training Institute (CTI), Dr Vollrath reported drivers feel forced to ignore acoustic warnings because they think the sound could compromise the safety feeling of passengers. If only the driving person gets a “private” message, there is no need to take that into consideration.
Furthermore, Dr Vollrath recommends restricting warning to severe situations. Otherwise the alerts could compromise the comfort – and the acceptance by motorists.