The effects of active accelerator pedal in cars – Results from a large scale trial with intelligent speed adaptation.

Within the framework of the Swedish national trial with Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) in urban areas, the effects of large scale use of “active accelerator” were evaluated. 284 cars were equipped with the system for a period of 5-11 months in the city of Lund. The driving data of all equipped vehicles were logged with regard to time and speed, both before and after activating the system. Driver behaviour were studied with the help of an instrumented vehicle. Possible system effects, such as speeds, interactions with other road-users and driving against red were studied in the field. Possible changes in driver attitudes and acceptance were studied by interviews. The results revealed that test drivers’ compliance with the speed limits increased and practically no negative compensatory effects could be found.