Automated Driving Systems (ADS) have the potential to greatly decrease crashes and save lives. However, there are many unanswered questions about L3 ADS vehicles with respect to the role that the content, delivery, and timing of feedback can play in the safe use and design of ADS. A key concern with L3 ADS is the changing role of the driver from being an active operator to being a passive supervisor, with the attendant loss of system state information, environmental awareness, and driving context available to an engaged driver. Further, the ADS technology itself may be a source of confusion and misunderstanding, leading to poor mental models of the technology and inappropriate trust. Critically, these beliefs about the state of an ADS (e.g., mode, capabilities & limitations, future vehicle behaviors, expected driver behaviors, etc.) impact drivers’ subsequent behavior.
The objectives of this project were to identify driver/operator needs for information delivery of system state information to drivers and assess strategies to improve drivers’ understanding of driving automation systems. We (1) reviewed the current state of the literature on driver feedback in ADS and identify gaps in the literature, (2) developed an approach for information content, delivery, and timing of feedback based on the current state of the literature, and (3) examined the feedback approach and evaluate its effectiveness.
Project Title: Delivery, Timing, Modality of System State Information to Support Occupant Understanding of ADS Functionality
Project Start and End Dates: September 2020 – est. August 2023
Author List: Mike Manser
Sponsor/Funding Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration