1. InterviewVolvo Group Truck Technology
Dr. Dominic Paul Piamonte, Driver Environment Specialist
Driver distraction issues are gaining importance in HMI
research & development. The industry is looking for new
solutions to meet legal requirements world-wide and reduce
injuries caused by distracted drivers.
Prior to the CAR HMi concepts & systems 2013, we spoke with Dr. Dominic Paul Piamonte, Driver
Environment Feature Specialist about challenges of driver distraction issues for Commercial
Vehicles.
we.CONECT:
Do driver distraction needs for CVs
differ from those of passenger cars? If
yes, in what respect?
Dominic Paul Piamonte: Generally,
driver distraction needs and issues in
CVs are similar with those of passenger
cars. However, there are a few inherent
differences in areas of concern. For
example, navigation and especially cargo
/ load management / dispatch tasks can
impose larger risks on distraction among
CV drivers. CV drivers need to deliver
their goods in the least amount of time,
with optimal fuel consumption and
utmost safety. Fulfilling all these tasks
while driving increases the risk for
distraction. First example, CV drivers
often need directions and maps
especially for destination they are not so
familiar with. And we know that reading
maps (especially paper maps) while
driving can be quite dangerous. The
modern solution using electronic
navigation systems can help but this
depends a lot on the HMI design.
Another example is on CV drivers
(especially those in distribution) receiving
several messages while driving regar-
ding their cargo / load (dispatch). These
messages are potential sources of dis-
traction if not handled correctly.
we.CONECT:
What are the main challenges in
addressing driver distraction issues?
Dominic Paul Piamonte: We can divide
the challenges in addressing driver
distraction issues generally into two
areas – 1) Measurement metrics: coming
up with the right driver distraction
metrics, i.e. WHAT are the real and
important factors of driver distraction we
need to measure, monitor and act on,
and HOW to measure these. 2) HMI
design – how shall we design and
develop the information, warning and
intervention HMI to minimize driver
distraction. For example, how shall the
graphic, sound, voice, and haptic inter-
faces be used to minimize driver
distraction in the CV cab environment
amongst different driving and info-
tainment systems.
we.CONECT:
Can you briefly explain the need
for distraction performance testing
methodology?
Dominic Paul Piamonte: As I
mentioned previously above, driver dis-
traction testing methodology is critical not
only in understanding the extent of the
problem but also on developing appro-
priate solutions. We need sound metho-
dologies that measure the important and
relevant factors of driver distraction,
methodologies that are accepted and
used across the industry, academia and
research.
we.CONECT:
What are the main steps for the in-
dustry according you your opinion?
Dominic Paul Piamonte: Some of the
main steps for the industry are to
develop methods suited for use in the
different product (vehicle) development
phases, i.e. from product pre-studies to
end-product phases. I think that we will
need a lot of collaboration with the R&D
and academia in developing such
methods. Close consultations with
governments, legislative bodies and
different advocacy groups dealing with
driver distraction are also important in
dealing with driver distraction in order to
come out with reasonable and effective
countermeasures. No single group can
tackle the distraction issues alone.
we.CONECT:
Thanks a lot for this interview!
Interview Partners: Dr. Klaudia Malowitz
and Dr. Dominic Paul Piamonte.
Dr. Dominic Paul Piamonte is Driver
Environment Specialist at Volvo Group
Truck Technology and working on driver
distraction issues within the group.
The CAR HMi concepts & systems
2013 is the leading international
conference for intelligent & integrated
HMI concepts including development &
design issues for the automotive
industry. From 17th
- 18th
of June 2013,
130+ senior level executives from OEMs
world-wide, major automotive suppliers
as well as engineering & software
companies will discuss challenges,
cutting edge technologies in automotive
HMI. The full program features more
than 30 speakers from Daimler,
Volkswagen, PSA, Renault, Evobus,
General Motors, Jaguar Landrover,
Mitsubishi Motors, Hyundai and many
many more…
Information about the event and about
we.CONECT can be found at:
http://car-hmi2013.we-conect.com
Contact:
Dr. Klaudia Malowitz
Senior Product Manager
Phone: +49 (0)30 52 10 70 3 – 48
Fax: +49 (0)30 52 10 70 3 – 30
Email: klaudia.malowitz@we.conect.com
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