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This paper discusses radio usage habits observed during analysis of 700 hours of video sampled from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study database. Analysts used large-scale printouts of each vehicle's radio faceplate and recorded interactions based on video analysis of hand movement and location (without the assistance of audio recordings). The duration and specific manipulations or adjustments were recorded for each interaction. The results summarize the length and type of interactions, most often-used controls, and total percentage of time drivers interacted with the radio.

Two navigation systems, one a turn-by-turn and the other a moving-map, were compared using the same routes and waypoints in the area of Roanoke, VA. Challenges as a result of their varying algorithms used to determine route guidance were overcome in finding a common route between the two systems. The study was designed to be conducted without an in-vehicle experimenter. This approach was thought important to reduce potential experimental biases. The methodology described provides a low-cost, valid method to test way-finding using the actual system in its actual driving environment. The purpose of this paper is not to discuss the benefit of a moving-map system as compared to a turn-by-turn system, but to discuss the methodology of this way-finding study conducted without an in-vehicle experimenter. Suggested data to collect and/or analyze as well as lessons learned are also discussed.

Hybrid and electric vehicles (HVs and EVs) have demonstrated low noise levels relative to their Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts, particularly at low speeds. As the number of HVs/EVs on the road increases, so does the need for data quantifying auditory detectability by pedestrians; in particular, those who are vision impaired. Manufacturers have started implementing additive noise solutions designed to increase vehicle detectability while in electric mode and/or when traveling below a certain speed. A detailed description of the real-time acoustic measurement system, the corresponding vehicular data, development of an immersive noise field, and experimental methods pertaining to a recent evaluation of candidate vehicles is provided herein. Listener testing was completed by 24 legally blind test subjects for four vehicle types: an EV and HV with different additive noise approaches, an EV with no additive noise, and a traditional ICE vehicle.