This driving simulator study, conducted as part of the EC-funded AdaptIVe project, investigated the effect of level of distraction during automation (Level 2 SAE) on drivers’ ability to assess automation uncertainty and react to a potential collision scenario. Drivers’ attention to the road was varied during automation in one of two driving screen manipulation conditions: occlusion by light fog and occlusion by heavy fog. Vehicle-based measures, drivers’ eye movements and response profiles to events after an automation uncertainty period were measured during a highly automated drive containing one of these manipulations, and compared to manual driving. In two of seven uncertainty events, a lead vehicle braked causing a critical situation. Drivers' reactions to these critical events were compared in a between-subjects design, where the driving scene was occluded for 1.5 minutes. Results showed that, during automation, drivers were less engaged their response profile to a potential collision scenario was less controlled and more aggressive immediately after the transition, compared to when they were in manual control. During the automated drive, drivers in heavy fog condition collided with the lead vehicle more and also had a lower minimum headway compared to those in light fog. (Author/publisher)
Abstract