Driver Distraction, Telematics Design, and Workload Managers: Safety Issues and Solutions

Abstract

This paper discusses how workload managers, driver distraction and telematics design interact. Workload managers are systems that try to ascertain if a driver is distracted or on information overload, and changes the operation of warning systems and the availability of telematics accordingly. Workload managers regulate the information flow to drivers that could negatively impact the driving task. This paper presents a summary of literature on traffic accidents and driver performance, discusses the unique nature of telematics operations, relates possible workload manager architectures, current industry efforts, and appropriate regulations.