Summary:
A recent study by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights concerning drivers behavior when using partially automated driving systems. Such as Volvo’s Pilot Assist and Tesla’s Autopilot. Conducted with MIT’s AgeLab, the research indicates that many behind the wheel engage in multitasking, including checking phones and eating, while relying on these systems, despite being required to pay attention and be ready to take control.
IIHS president David Harkey noted that drivers often learn to equate minimal engagement, such as nudging the steering wheel, with attentiveness. The study revealed that drivers using Volvo’s system were more likely to become distracted over time, becoming bolder as they grew accustomed to the technology. Conversely, Tesla drivers learned how to manage the attention-reminder features, often preventing alerts from escalating to interventions.
The study also showed that updates to the Volvo system improved attention reminders but did not eliminate distractions. Participants engaged in various secondary tasks, spending over 30% of their time distracted while using Pilot Assist. Meanwhile, Tesla drivers, unfamiliar with Autopilot, were monitored for how often they triggered attention reminders. The findings indicated a significant number of warnings occurred even when car owners had their hands on the wheel but did not move it sufficiently.
As drivers become more comfortable with automation, the risk of distraction increases, leading to potential safety concerns. IIHS emphasizes that the odds of a crash rise when drivers’ attention drifts, suggesting that short lapses in attention could negate the benefits of occasional engagement with the driving task. The study underscores the necessity for better safeguards in partial automation systems to mitigate misuse and enhance driver safety.
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