Investigation of a Driver-to-Driver Communication Method Through Rear Window Display for Chinese

There exists major information asymmetry of traditional driver-to-driver communication method that may result in misunderstandings among drivers. In this study, a driver-to-driver communication method through rear window display was designed and evaluated. Drivers can express their feelings when they drive or explain their intentions before performing specific actions. Their feelings or intentions were presented by text signs or emoticon signs on the rear window. The study investigated the effect of driver-to-driver communication on people’s perception and preference for two information presentation types. The experiment used three typical driving scenarios, i.e. normal driving, cutting in line and overtaking. The results indicated that information communication had a significant effect on people’s perception. Their preference for the information presentation types depended on driving scenarios. Suggestions about the design of information display through rear window were provided to increase the communication effectiveness among drivers and thus improve driving safety.