Recent studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab reveal troubling insights into vehicle partial automation systems.
These studies show that drivers are more likely to multitask, such as checking their phones or eating when using these systems. Over time, some drivers became more comfortable and consequently more distracted, while others were inattentive from the beginning.
The 3 primary forms of distracted driving
Distracted drivers have become an increasingly problematic cause of car accidents over the past two decades. Three primary forms of distractions occur:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at your phone or a GPS
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel, like eating or grooming
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving, such as daydreaming or talking to passengers
All these distractions significantly increase the risk of accidents.
New systems designed to aid drivers
Partial automation systems come in various forms, each designed to assist drivers with specific tasks. Here are three common types:
- Adaptive cruise control: ACC automatically adjusts your car’s speed to keep your vehicle a safe distance from the one in front of you. It can slow down or accelerate your vehicle based on traffic conditions.
- Lane-keeping assist: LKA helps keep your car centered in its lane. It uses cameras to detect lane markings and makes minor steering adjustments to prevent unintentional lane departure.
- Traffic jam assist: This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to help you navigate heavy traffic. It can control acceleration, braking, and steering at lower speeds, reducing the stress of stop-and-go driving.
These systems aim to enhance driving safety and convenience but still require the driver’s constant attention and readiness to take control.
Both studies identify concerning results
The first study focused on the driving behavior of 29 volunteers using a 2017 Volvo S90 with Pilot Assist over four weeks. Researchers noted that drivers engaged in more non-driving activities when using Pilot Assist compared to driving unassisted.
The second study examined 14 drivers using Tesla’s Autopilot in a 2020 Model 3 over a month. Initially, many drivers struggled with the system’s attention reminders, triggering a significant number of warnings. Over time, they learned to master the timing of these alerts, often responding just enough to avoid escalations while continuing their distracting activities.
The studies conclude that while partial automation systems can assist in driving, they also lead to increased distraction as drivers adapt to the technology. Effective safeguards and more robust attention reminders are necessary to ensure that partial automation translates into safer driving practices.