We conducted a questionnaire survey on whether ordinary VICS users actually use VICS information, and what they think of VICS.

(1) The survey was conducted by mailing questionnaires to users who had bought in- vehicle navigation systems.
(2) The second questionnaire survey was conducted with the respondents of (1), asking about the impression of VICS after frequent use.
(3) Out of the 3,000 users surveyed 120 responded. (Survey conducted by the VICS Center)

(1) Effects of VICS








(2)Use of VICS

(3) Impression of VICS

1) Awareness of VICS
-The necessity expands with the longer time and frequent use.

2) Benefits of VICS
- The road traffic conditions informed in advance makes a driver more relaxed and comfortable.
- It gives alternative choice on routes to avoid traffic congestion.
- It helps to select an entire route on departure.

3) Frequency of use and efficiency of the provided information
- "Traffic congestion information" is most frequently used.
- The "simple diagram display information" from the beacons,becomes easier to operate and more useful as they are used many times.

According to the questionnaire results, the most popular answer for the question concerning the benefit of VICS was "It makes the driving more relaxing and comfortable."It is clear that VICS provides not only quantitative effects such as the reduction of traffic congestion but also great psychological effects that are not shown in figures.
Compared to the previous survey of the same users,the percentage of users claiming VICS as a "Necessity" has increased from 17% to 34%. This means that VICS changes from a "Luxury"to a "Necessity"once they use it.

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