Supaporn Nhookan, Kowit Meboon, Poom Thiparpakul, Nathaporn Karnjanapoomi, Tanat Jiravansirikul
Thailand’s traffic accidents are one of the deadliest in Southeast Asia and among the worst in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. About 20,000 people die in road accidents each year, or about 56 deaths a day. Despite continued government’s attempts to reduce road casualties, the figures show no sign of abating. Nighttime driving under difficult conditions poses a particular danger to the drivers themselves and other road users. Studies have shown a correlation between the application of the Head-up Display system (HUD) and increased safety for car drivers resulting in fewer accidents. The Augmented Reality (AR) Lane Line helps enhance the accuracy of the HUD’s navigation system and supported the proliferation of the HUD systems worldwide. This study aims to address the risks of driving at nighttime among commercial vehicles (e.g., buses and trucks) with the assistance of the HUD and AR Lane Line technology. The study investigates multiple AR Lane Line graphical interfaces to determine an appropriate one for the drivers’ behaviors, road conditions, and traffic in Thailand. Two tests were conducted with selected truck drivers and graphic designers to determine optimal AR Lane Line graphical interface for Thai commercial vehicles. Eight combinations of design interfaces were provided for the test groups to select. Based on the study, two contrasting designs were chosen by the test groups. Both designs will inform the development of two prototype AR Lane Line interfaces which will be tested by a larger commercial drivers’ group under the real driving conditions.