Effect of speedometer positioning: Distraction and workload while driving

One of the automotive design car developments is speedometer position change. There are two speedometer positions used by the public, i.e. in behind the steer and on the center of dashboard. Speedometer position affects the visual scanning time information on the speedometer (glance). Total Time glances are very influential to distraction and workload while driving. The purpose of this study is to determine the position of the speedometer that minimizes distraction and workload while driving. The type of this research is a real experimental study using real cars on the road. The number of respondents involved was 12 peoples. Distraction data were obtained from the total glances while driving (using cameras). While the workload while driving was obtained from a questionnaire adapted from DALI (Driving Load Activity Index). Based on the analysis of total glances and questionnaires, speedometer on the center of dashboard showed a higher total glances and higher average value of global demand attention, visual demand, as well as stress. Consequently, in order to maintain safety and comfort in driving, the speedometer position in behind the steer is better than on the center of dashboard.