Abstract
BackgroundAutomated driving is often proposed as a solution to human errors. However, fully automated driving has not yet reached the point where it can be implemented in real traffic. This study focused on adaptively allocating steering control either to the driver or to an automated pilot based on momentary driver distraction measured from an eye tracker.MethodsParticipants (N = 31) steered a simulated vehicle with a fixed speed, and at specific moments were required to perform a visual secondary task (i.e., changing a CD). Three conditions were tested: (1) Manual driving (Manual), in which participants steered themselves. (2) An automated backup (Backup) condition, consisting of manual steering except during periods of visual distraction, where the driver was backed up by automated steering. (3) A forced manual drive (Forced) condition, consisting of automated steering except during periods of visual distraction, where the driver was forced into manual steering. In all three conditions, the speed of the vehicle was automatically kept at 70 km/h throughout the drive.ResultsThe Backup condition showed a decrease in mean and maximum absolute lateral error compared to the Manual condition. The Backup condition also showed the lowest self-reported workload ratings and yielded a higher acceptance rating than the Forced condition. The Forced condition showed a higher maximum absolute lateral error than the Backup condition.DiscussionIn conclusion, the Backup condition was well accepted, and significantly improved performance when compared to the Manual and Forced conditions. Future research could use a higher level of simulator fidelity and a higher-quality eye-tracker.
Highlights
Automated drivingOver the last couple of decades, researchers have been studying the viability of automated driving for commercial use
We assessed whether the Backup and forced manual drive (Forced) conditions worked as intended
This could be due to eye tracker imperfections, as faulty measurements could result in 1.5 s off monitor glancing
Summary
Automated drivingOver the last couple of decades, researchers have been studying the viability of automated driving for commercial use. This supervisory role has brought about other human factor issues, including loss of vigilance, varying workload, fatigue, and loss of situation awareness (Casner, Hutchins & Norman, 2016; De Winter et al, 2014; Matthews, 2016; Parasuraman & Riley, 1997). (3) A forced manual drive (Forced) condition, consisting of automated steering except during periods of visual distraction, where the driver was forced into manual steering. The Forced condition showed a higher maximum absolute lateral error than the Backup condition. Future research could use a higher level of simulator fidelity and a higher-quality eye-tracker
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