Behavior change associated with using partial automation among three samples of drivers during a 4-week field trial

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Automotive engineering
• Cognitive psychology

Background:

• Partial automation technologies are evolving, necessitating research into driver behavior changes with increased familiarity.
• Previous studies indicated higher disengagement with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how driver behavior, specifically visual-manual distractions and hands-off-wheel instances, changes over a 4-week period when using manual driving, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and Pilot Assist.
• To compare driver attention levels across different automation modes and study periods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a similar analytical approach to Reagan et al. (2021).
• Recruited three driver groups (n=10, n=10, n=9) to test manual driving, ACC, and Pilot Assist over two 2-week periods.
• Estimated the odds of visual-manual distractions or hands-off-wheel driving based on automation mode and study period.

Main Results:

• Drivers exhibited higher odds of distraction or hands-free driving in the latter half of the study when using Pilot Assist compared to manual driving.
• Groups A and B showed increased distraction in weeks 3-4 versus weeks 1-2 with Pilot Assist.
• Group C displayed consistently high visual-manual distraction and hands-free driving with Pilot Assist throughout the study.

Conclusions:

• Partial automation systems tested were associated with reduced driver attention compared to manual driving.
• While initial use may lead to adaptation, prolonged exposure in optimal conditions may accelerate distraction.
• Findings underscore the critical need for driver-monitoring systems to ensure sustained attention with ADAS.