ASSISTED PARKING SYSTEMS - APS

Abstract

Given the nature of the driving manoeuvre, particularly with regard to the low speed it involves, the assisted parking system is mainly intended to increase drivers´ comfort. The effects on safety are rather secondary: reducing stress and increasing the general level of the driver’s ease and convenience, it may generally result in more harmonious, calm, and safe driving. The empirical data supporting this assumption is rather limited. However, the available evidence (e.g. Reimer, Mehler, & Coughlin, 2010) (1) suggests that the assisted parking system is highly effective in reducing stress while driving (at the moment of the parking manoeuvre and before and after it), both in physiological (measured by heart rate) and experiential terms (measured by a self-assessment scale). These findings are consistent across age groups, degrees of driving experience, and genders. Observations showed that drivers were more likely to yield to other cars during test drives when the assisted parking system had been activated (ibid.). The findings may indicate an indirect positive effect on safe driving and traffic safety in general.