Patterns of use, perceived benefits and reported effects of access to navigation support systems: an inter-European field operational test

The study presents findings regarding drivers´ patterns of use, attitude towards, and reported effects of access to mature nomadic navigation support systems. Three different systems were tested by 582 drivers in four-field operational tests for a period of six months. A majority of the participants used the support system for trips where the route/destination was unfamiliar but there were also other use scenarios. The main benefits entailed convenience and comfort. Reported effects involved increased possibilities to choose the route according to preferences; a decrease in the time it took to reach destinations and in the distance covered to reach the destination. One in four reported a decrease in fuel consumption attributed an increased compliance with speed limits and/or that driving around and searching for the correct route to reach the desired destination could be avoided. A majority reported `no change´ regarding the number of journeys made by car. Reported effects (whether increases or decreases) were however smaller than expected before the trial.