Driver Confidence Research Articles

Novel Methodology to Measure the Reliability of Public DC Fast Charging Stations

A network of reliable corridor charging stations is essential to building driver confidence in long-distance battery electric vehicle trips. Here, we propose a detailed methodology to measure station reliability based on charging infrastructure data. By assigning charging events to unique charging visits, our methodology can capture a holistic overview of the driver’s charging experience. We use real world charging data collected between 2019 and 2022 from 54 Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs) in 36 corridor charging stations across California to demonstrate that our overarching reliability framework is close to the experience of users. Our analysis of two different charging networks shows that users of these networks have an average chance of 83% and 77% generally successful outcomes, respectively, after one or more tries at a charging station location. We also find significant variation in station performance within the same network (i.e., 79%–87% and 13%–95%, respectively). Furthermore, we observe that at least 3% of users are facing unexpected charging interruptions. In addition, we demonstrate a practical application of our framework for deep diagnostics of the charging eco-system using error codes to identify common issues such as vehicle/charger communication issues, safety issues, payment issues, and cable/connector issues. We compare how error codes alone are not a good proxy to diagnose charging failures. As more data from DCFCs becomes available, our methodology can become a mainstream tool for evaluating station reliability.

Development and validation of the Driver Attention Regulation Scale: A measure of the perceived ability to regulation attention on the road

The ability to regulate attention while driving is a vital skill for remaining safe on the road. However, there is no current self-report method that measures such a construct, potentially limiting research in the area of attention and distraction. This study aimed to develop and validate a new measure, the Driver Attention Regulation Scale (DARS), that can be used to identify how drivers perceive their ability to regulate attention while driving. To achieve this aim, two online surveys were shared with unique samples of Australian drivers. Following the development of an initial item pool, principal components analysis and follow up confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the structure of the items and revealed that three factors emerged: attentional presence (e.g., focus; vigilance), attentional flexibility (e.g., awareness; shifting), and attentional capacity (e.g., processing speed; cognitive resources). Each of the subscales (α = 0.75–0.88) and the total scale (α = 0.87–0.91) exhibited a good internal consistency across the samples. Evidence of external validity was also demonstrated, as the DARS was positively associated with generalised attention regulation measures, and driver confidence, but negatively associated with emotion regulation difficulties, driver stress, and driving errors/lapses. Mediation analyses also indicated that the attentional constructs measured by the DARS may indirectly influence driving behaviours, via their effect on driver stress and confidence. Overall, the DARS has demonstrated promise as a new measure of driving-related attentional skills that can be used in future research to better understand how situational factors may impact drivers’ confidence, and also how confidence may influence driving behaviours (e.g., speeding).

Modeling Driver’s Real-Time Confidence in Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicle technology has developed at an unprecedented rate in recent years. An increasing number of vehicles are equipped with different levels of driving assist systems to reduce the human driver’s burden. However, because of the conservative design of its programming framework, there is still a large gap between the performance of current autonomous driving systems and experienced veteran drivers. This gap can cause drivers to distrust decisions or behaviors made by autonomous vehicles, thus affecting the effectiveness of drivers’ use of auto-driving systems. To further estimate the expected acceptance of autonomous driving systems in real human–machine co-driving situations, a characterization model of driver confidence has to be constructed. This paper conducts a survey of driver confidence in riding autonomous vehicles. Based on the analysis of results, the paper proposes a confidence quantification model called “the Virtual Confidence (VC)” by quantifying three main factors affecting driver confidence in autonomous vehicles, including (1) the intrusive movements of surrounding traffic participants, (2) the abnormal behavior of the ego vehicle, and (3) the complexity of the driving environment. The model culminates in a dynamic confidence bar with values ranging from 0 to 100 to represent the levels of confidence. The validation of the confidence model was verified by doing comparisons between the real-time output of the VC and the real-time feeling of human drivers on an autonomous vehicle simulator. The proposed VC model can potentially identify features that need improvement for auto-driving systems in unmanned tests and provide data reference.

Further down the road: The enduring effect of an online training course on novice drivers’ hazard perception skill

Hazard perception training has been proposed as a potential strategy for reducing crash risk in drivers. Although previous work has shown that hazard perception is a trainable skill, it also indicates that the effect of hazard perception training often decays over time, sometimes to the point of being negated. In the present study, we evaluate a hazard perception training course specifically designed to minimize the rate of forgetting through the use of evidence-based strategies such as incorporating distributed practice and taking advantage of the contextual interference effect. We report data on a sample of novice drivers, in which we evaluated the effect of the course on a validated measure of hazard perception skill (a verbal-response “hazard prediction test”) in both the short term (M = 9.24 days, or 1.32 weeks) and medium term (M = 9.87 weeks, or 2.27 months), using a randomized control design. At both retention points, trained participants scored significantly and substantially higher than an untrained control group, adjusting for baseline performance. Further, the hazard prediction scores of trained drivers did not significantly decrease between the short- and medium-term assessment points, indicating that there was no evidence of skill decay over this time frame. There was also no evidence that completing the course increased driver confidence at any time point, which is important given that increased confidence could potentially lead to unintended negative effects on crash risk. The results suggest that the training course improves a skill that has been associated with crash risk over a time period that is of practical value, especially as refresher training sessions could be used to further extend the effect into the longer term (i.e., beyond the duration examined in this study) if necessary.

Solar-Powered Active Road Studs and Highway Infrastructure: Effect on Vehicle Speeds

Vehicle speeds have a direct relationship with the severity of road crashes and may influence their probability of occurrence. Solar-powered active road studs have been shown to have a positive effect on driver confidence, but their impact on vehicle speed in conjunction with other road features is little understood. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge through a case study of a 20 km section of a strategic major road featuring a variety of highway infrastructure features. Before-and-after surveys were undertaken at 21 locations along the route using manual radar speed measurement. Analysis of nearly 10,000 speed measurements showed no statistically significant change in mean speeds following the implementation of the road studs. Linear regression models are proposed for two different posted speed limits, associating road features with expected vehicle speed. The models suggest that vehicle speeds are chiefly influenced by merges, curves, gradients, and ambient light conditions. The findings of this study should provide confidence that active road studs may be implemented without a negative impact on speed-related safety. The work also provides further expansion of the evidence base describing the effect of highway infrastructure features on vehicle speeds.

Driver Confidence and Level of Automation Influencing Trust in Automated Driving Features

The goal of this study was to empirically examine the relationship between individuals’ reported trust in automated driving features and their level of self-confidence when driving. This study utilized a series of vignettes to depict three different levels of automation in accordance with the SAE International levels of Automation. The three levels portrayed low (level 1), moderate (level3), and high (level 5) functioning autonomous driving features. A driving self-efficacy scale and trust in automation scale were utilized to collect data about individuals attitudes towards the automation. It was hypothesized that self-confidence and level of automation would be significantly related to operator’s trust. In addition to this, it was also hypothesized that the level of automation would significantly affect the amount of trust placed in the autonomous features. Results indicated that there are significant relationships between self-confidence and trust, as well as level of automation and trust.

Investigating feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a simulator-based driving intervention for people with acquired brain injury: A randomised controlled pilot study

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a driving simulator intervention on driving outcomes following acquired brain injury. Design: Pilot randomised controlled trial. Setting: Occupational therapy driver assessment and rehabilitation service. Subjects: Individuals post-acquired brain injury aiming to return to driving. Intervention: Eight sessions of simulated driver training over four weeks, in addition to usual care. Control: Usual care only. Main measures: Feasibility outcomes: Participant recruitment and retention; data completeness; therapy attendance and fidelity; adverse events. Performance outcomes: on-road driving performance; Simulator Sickness Questionnaire; Brain Injury Driving Self-Awareness Measure and Driving Comfort Scale – Daytime, assessed at baseline and five weeks post-randomisation. Results: Out of 523 individuals screened, 22 (4%) were recruited and randomised, with 20 completing their allocated group (n = 12 Simulator, n = 8 Usual Care). For those who completed training, session attendance was 100% with simulator sickness rated, on average, as mild. Six individuals (50%) in the Simulator group failed the on-road assessment, versus two (25%) in the Usual Care group (P = 0.373). On average, the Simulator group reported a positive change in confidence ratings (M = 5.77, SD = 13.96) compared to the Usual Care group, who reported a negative change (M = −6.97, SD = 8.47), P = 0.034. The Simulator group (M = 0.67, SD = 3.34) demonstrated no significant change in self-awareness relative to the Usual Care group (M = −0.83, SD = 1.83, P = 0.325). Conclusions: With adjustments to inclusion criteria and recruitment strategies, it may be feasible to deliver the intervention and conduct a larger trial. There is potential benefit of simulator training for improving driver confidence after acquired brain injury.

Active Road Studs as an Alternative to Lighting on Rural Roads: Driver Safety Perception

Drivers, particularly with increasing age, cite driving at night as being problematic and feeling unsafe. Ultimately this may result in self-regulation and avoidance, with potentially negative health effects. The issue is commonly mitigated through provision of street lighting, but with it comes cost, environmental impact, and other negative effects. Research has suggested that provision of LED Active Road Studs may be of assistance to drivers at night. However, it is not known how implementation of this measure affects driver confidence, as research to date has focused on observational study of actual driving behaviour. The present work addresses this gap in knowledge using data from 698 respondents to a questionnaire survey of households around a recently treated route. Overall, 72% reported an increase in confidence driving at night, with key reasons cited as increased preview time and reduced glare. A total of 80% of respondents believed the overall safety of the study route had improved. Underlying confidence was found to be lower in females, with confidence increasing with mileage driven. This study is the first to suggest the use of active road studs may increase driver confidence and provide increased travel opportunities, particularly where street lighting is impractical or undesirable in terms of sustainability.

User experiences and perspectives of a driving simulator intervention for individuals with acquired brain injury: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Driving a motor vehicle is a common rehabilitation goal following acquired brain injury (ABI). There is increasing interest in the use of driving simulators for driver rehabilitation post-ABI; however, there is still limited research demonstrating efficacy and acceptability. This study sought to examine the user experience of a driving simulator intervention for ABI survivors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals, including 12 ABI survivors (42% male; Mean age = 53.92 years, SD age = 17.63) who completed the intervention, and 2 occupational therapist driver assessors who facilitated the intervention. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse interview data. Findings suggest that individual differences (e.g., anxiety, previous experience) influenced participant response to training. The intervention allowed participants to practise various driving skills, re-familiarize themselves with the task of driving, and prepare for return to on-road driving within a safe environment. The intervention was perceived to be useful for enhancing driver self-awareness, autonomy, confidence and patience. Fidelity and simulator sickness were considered limitations of the simulator technology. Subjective accounts of the appropriateness of intervention components are also documented. Overall, the simulator intervention was reported to be a positive experience for participants. Themes emerging from this study can inform future driving simulator interventions for ABI survivors.

The Effects of Restricted Sight Distances on Drivers at Simulated Rural Intersections

Short sight distances at rural intersections can result in reduced safety including drivers choosing smaller gaps between oncoming vehicles (Yan & Richards, 2010). Conversely, increased sight distances may result in improved driver confidence, but not safety as seen at rail crossings (Ward & Wilde, 1996). Thus, simply increasing sight distances may not result in linear gains in safety. Establishing appropriate lower and upper-visibility limits at rural intersections will minimize operational costs for clearing and grubbing labor and may reduce serious injury and fatal crashes by promoting safer crossing behavior around rural thru-STOP intersections. This driving simulation study will examine intersection visibility and other intersection design factors that influence driver behavior at rural thru-STOPs. Time to collision, or TTC, is a primary motivating factor on driver decisions to cross intersections. Drivers’ TTC perception is a function of oncoming vehicle speed, distance, and rate of retinal expansion (tau; Hancock & Manser, 1997). We hypothesize TTC factors may interact with confidence in intersection crossing judgments. Specifically, when people must quickly make judgments, their confidence must be estimated after the decision has been made, but if the time pressure is not high and the decision is not immediate, people’s judgments and their confidence in those judgments can both be considered prior to action. This can be problematic because people are normally overconfident in their judgments (Harvey, 1997). The present study comprised a crossing judgment block, and a mainline drive block. The experimental stimuli were validated by engineers with experience in rural intersections, who rated the simulated intersections as “significantly representative” to real-world intersections through an average rating score of 5.25 ( SD = 0.5) on a 7-pt scale. This was done to ensure that the study findings would be more likely to be applicable to world intersections. The goal of the study is to identify whether sight distance and other variables, including speed for the judgment task and vehicle proximity to the intersection for the mainline drive task, impact safety at rural intersections.

Dangers on the road: A longitudinal examination of passenger-initiated violence against bus drivers.

This study examined the impact of workplace violence against 109 bus drivers over a 1-year span. Workplace violence is related to both psychological and work-related consequences. Our findings showed that bus drivers experienced a wide range of violence at work and the psychological consequences were devastating: Half of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for acute stress disorder within the first month following the index event. Majority of them experienced at least moderate levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) problems over the 1-year span. About 9.3% of participants showed a delayed onset of PTSD 6months after. Furthermore, counter-supportive behaviours and reexposure to violence played important roles in the maintenance of PTSD symptoms over time. Even though PTSD symptoms per se did not relate to bus driver's confidence in coping with aggressive passengers, the immediate post-traumatic reaction-symptoms of acute stress disorder-showed a significant long-term negative effect on bus drivers' confidence in dealing with aggressive passengers 12months after. This study provided empirical evidence of the changing nature of PTSD symptoms over time among bus drivers.

Self-rated confidence and on-road driving performance among older adults: Autoévaluation de la confiance et de la performance au volant chez les personnes âgées.

Driver confidence can be measured through concepts such as driving frequency, situational avoidance, and self-perceptions. However, it is not clear how well confidence aligns with actual driving performance. We examined the relationship between subjective measures of confidence in driving ability and on-road performance. We report findings from two studies. The first compared scores from the Older and Wiser Driver Questionnaire to an on-road driving evaluation. The second looked at the Day and Night Driving Comfort Scales and Driving Habits and Intentions Questionnaire in relation to an on-road driving evaluation. No measures of confidence in driving ability were related to on-road driving performance. Confidence in driving ability bears little relationship to on-road performance. Future research should examine approaches to foster a better match between self-assessments and actual abilities among drivers.

Drowsiness Detection Based on the Analysis of Breathing Rate Obtained from Real-time Image Recognition

Road accidents and victims provoked by drowsiness are a worldwide relevant social and economic problem. In EU, 25% of road accidents are related with fatigue. The relation between drowsiness and accidents is supported by scientific evidences that relate microsleep and other fatigue episodes with the loss of control of the vehicle. Nowadays there exist different technological approaches for drowsiness mitigating while driving, which try to reduce these accidents by detecting driver's physical condition and acting on the driver response. The techniques for mitigating accidents are based on algorithms of detection of physiological parameters that ensure drivers confidence and an appropriate use of the technology. The most frequently used non-invasive system are the cameras, which have been explored and used, mainly detecting eye movement and eyelid closure (PERCLOS). These systems have limitations due to artifacts and noise related to environmental and emotional conditions, which might lead to false positives. With the purpose of solving these shortcomings, the goal of the research is to develop a system capable of detecting the level of drowsiness based on the involuntary movements of the driver provoked by the respiration captured by means of cameras. In the current research, robustness in front of different types of users and circumstances has been explored. A system of reduced size automotive cameras of high dynamics is proposed to be used as breathing rate sensor. Images captured by these sensors will be processed to obtain the driver's chest/abdomen movement. These data will be analyzed in real time by a validated algorithm that interprets the movement and obtains the level of fatigue and drowsiness of the driver. A twofold “gold standard” is used to compare the robustness of the developed system. An experimental design has been developed in order to take into consideration different anthropometric characteristics, clothing types, user and vehicle movement and light conditions. The result will provide the boundary conditions of any system based on on-board cameras. These data will be used for building the algorithms to detect and interpret breathing patterns. The results show the capabilities of this approach and also permit to define the needs and requirements of the resulting technological developments.

A Review of Network Mobility Protocols for Fully Electrical Vehicles Services

This article reviews IETF network mobility techniques and ISO data protocols involved in electrical charging which represent key enablers for an IP-based platform composed of backend servers, networks of fixed charging stations and of mobile Fully-Electrical Vehicles (FEVs). This platform further allows services for ensuring driver's confidence in reaching arbitrary destinations, despite well-known limitations such as battery technologies, and mitigating the risks involved by the use of inherently insecure basic IP datagram exchanges.

A Vacuum Booster Model for Brake Pedal Feeling Analysis

The feeling of the brake pedal is one of the most important factors for the driver confidence during brake. Vacuum booster plays a significant role on the brake pedal feeling analysis. The traditional characteristic model cannot satisfy our objective, so a model based on the structure is needed. This paper presents a model based on the structure defined as 3 springs, 2 valves, 1 reaction washer and dynamic air flows, gives out the detailed condition to judge for the states of vacuum booster which can give more details to the brake pedal feeling. After simulation, the conclusion that the model is proper for pedal feeling can be drawn.

Using a ‘value-added’ approach for contextual design of geographic information

The aim of this article is to demonstrate how a ‘value-added’ approach can be used for user-centred design of geographic information. An information science perspective was used, with value being the difference in outcomes arising from alternative information sets. Sixteen drivers navigated a complex, unfamiliar urban route, using visual and verbal instructions representing the distance-to-turn and junction layout information presented by typical satellite navigation systems. Data measuring driving errors, navigation errors and driver confidence were collected throughout the trial. The results show how driver performance varied considerably according to the geographic context at specific locations, and that there are specific opportunities to add value with enhanced geographical information. The conclusions are that a value-added approach facilitates a more explicit focus on ‘desired’ (and feasible) levels of end user performance with different information sets, and is a potentially effective approach to user-centred design of geographic information.

Texting while driving on automatic: Considering the frequency-independent side of habit

This study tested the potential of the frequency-independent components of habit, or automaticity, to predict the rate of texting while driving. A survey of 441 college students at a large American university was conducted utilizing a frequency-independent version of the experimentally validated Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI; Orbell & Verplanken, 2010; Verplanken & Orbell, 2003). Controlling for gender, age, and driver confidence, analyses showed that automatic texting tendencies predicted both sending and reading texts while driving. The findings suggest that texting while driving behavior may be partially attributable to individuals doing so without awareness, control, attention, and intention regarding their own actions. The unique contribution of automaticity explained more variance than overall individual usage, and remained significant even after accounting for norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control. The results demonstrate the importance of distinguishing the level of automaticity from behavioral frequency in mobile communication research. Future applications and implications for research are discussed.

Effects of higher-order driving skill training on young, inexperienced drivers’ on-road driving performance

The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of training in higher-order driving skills (e.g., perceptual, motivational, insight) and vehicle handling skill training in relation to on-road driving performance, hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence levels in young, inexperienced drivers. Thirty-six young drivers (23 males and 13 females, average age 16.3 years), mostly on a restricted NZ driver licence, participated in a Driver Training Research camp. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three equally sized groups according to the type of driving skill training (5 days) they received: higher-order, vehicle handling or control (no training). Professional driver assessors conducted a comprehensive driving assessment before (Baseline) and after the training (Post Training). At both time points, participants also carried out a computerised hazard perception task, and completed self-report questionnaires to assess attitudes to risky driving and driver confidence. In terms of on road driving, the participants who received higher-order driving skill training showed a statistically significant improvement in relation to visual search and the composite driving measure. This was accompanied by an improvement in hazard perception, safer attitudes to close following and to dangerous overtaking and a decrease in driving related confidence. The participants who received vehicle handling skill training showed significant improvements in relation to their on-road direction control, speed choice and the composite driving score. However, this group showed no improvement in hazard perception, attitudes to risky driving or driver confidence. The findings will be discussed in the context of driver training as a viable crash prevention intervention in regard to young, inexperienced drivers.

Continuing Professional Development: Managing travel phobia and anxiety

Overview This article describes in detail what constitutes a travel phobia and the effects of traffic accidents on driver and passenger behaviour and confidence. It examines the specific causes and factors. The mental health practitioner's role in recognising, evaluating treating and/or giving health education advice is explored. Self-assessment questions are given to test the reader's knowledge.

Evaluating impaired drivers confidence and intention to “(Please) drink responsibly”

Introduction Currently, alcohol industry-sponsored advertisements subsume traditional designated driver and don't drink and drive messages within responsible drinking campaigns. Yet, to date, there remains a dearth of literature specifically examining the attitudinal beliefs impaired drivers attach to the responsible drinking message. Objective This investigation sought to examine the responsible drinking attitudes and beliefs of impaired drivers, specifically examining their confidence and intention to drink responsibly the next time they consumed alcohol. Methods A random sample of 729 students attending a large, public Texas university completed a web-based administration of the Characteristic of Responsible Drinking Survey (CHORDS). Results Participants in this sample who had driven while impaired by alcohol exhibited significantly less confidence in refraining from drinking and driving and reported significantly lower intentions to designate a driver, take a taxi, or use a safe-ride program the next time they consumed alcohol. Additionally, they also reported less confidence, and lower intentions, to ensure their blood alcohol concentrations remained below the legal limit (0.08%) the next time they consumed alcohol. Conclusions Drivers who had driven while impaired significantly differed in their confidence and intention to drink responsibly the next time they consumed alcohol. Logistic regression results indicate that by increasing one's confidence in responsible drinking, and increasing their intention to drink responsibly, the likelihood of impaired driving can be decreased. Impact on industry Results from this investigation demonstrate one’s responsible drinking attitudinal beliefs accounts for a significant amount of the variance associated with one’s alcohol-related behaviors. Thus, further research should examine and establish how individuals conceptualize and practice responsible drinking.