Influence of in-vehicle displays on driver behaviour

In-Vehicle Displays (IVDs) have the potential to reduce fuel consumption rates (FCR), thus reducing emissions from in-use vehicles. This project is one of the first to simultaneously explore the impact of IVDs and driver training on both fuel consumption and driver behaviour in Canada. To evaluate the effectiveness of IVDs, a field trial was conducted by The Conference Board of Canada and supported by Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada. It included 100 participants and took place during the months of July through October 2014. Loggers and displays were installed in participants' vehicles and data was collected continuously. Preliminary results of the field trial suggest that IVDs are more effective at reducing FCRs on city roads rather than on highways, and during peak hours rather than off-peak hours. It also revealed that displays showing instantaneous acceleration and deceleration rates were generally more effective at reducing FCRs than displays showing emissions and monetary cost.