The project is based on the assumption that the underlying factors affecting human behaviour – like age, experience, attitude and cultural background – are the same regardless of mode of transport. This assumption enabled development of the model, which after completion was tested on real drivers in simulators so as to guarantee a safe and controlled research environment.

– The objective is to start using the model in testing and developing new innovative technologies, with the aim of improving safety in transportation systems, explains VTI researcher Magnus Hjälmdahl, who alongside colleague Björn Peters led the project for its three-year duration.

The first part of the project dealt with identifying which elements of driver data are normal for various types of transport. The model takes into account factors related to the individual, for example cultural background, personality and attitudes, requirements and experience, but also influencing factors connected to the situation in the surrounding area and the vehicle. The second part of the project involved designing experiments and conducting them in test environments across Europe in order to later analyse the data collected.

– We have, for example, developed portable train and car simulators that we have shipped about between Italy, France, England, Israel and Sweden. This has allowed us to be able to conduct experiments in five countries, which means that cultural differences can be compared with a high degree of reliability. The experiments are – as far as we know – unique in the world, says Magnus Hjälmdahl.

The ITERATE project (IT for Error Remediation and Trapping Emergencies) was carried out on behalf of the European Commission as a collaboration between VTI, Ben Gurion University (Israel), Chalmers University (Sweden), Leeds University (Great Britain), Kite Solutions (Italy), MTO Safety (Sweden) and Université de Valencienne (France). The model developed by the project is called Unified Model of Driver Behaviour (UMD).

For further information, please visit www.iterate-project.eu