Update of the safety checklist for the assessment of In-Vehicle Information Systems: a scoping study

A safety checklist for the assessment of In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) (Stevens et al., 1999) was developed by TRL for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) in the late 1990s.

The checklist was based upon codes of practice and international standards that were relevant at the time of development.

A literature review and a questionnaire survey of experts was conducted to ascertain whether and how the checklist should be updated. Much research on the ergonomics of IVIS has been conducted since the publication of the checklist.

Many new technologies have also emerged: touchscreens are now widely used, with head-up displays (HUDs) and device integration expected to become a more prevalent aspect of IVIS.

As a result of these new technologies, new standards and guidance on the ergonomics and safety of in-vehicle technology have arisen, indicating that the checklist may no longer be current.

The results also suggest that there are arguments for and against the alignment of the checklist with the European Statement of Principles (2008); however, the general consensus was that the checklist should remain broader in scope and depth to remain robust for the assessment of IVIS.