What determines the take-over time? An integrated model approach of driver take-over after automated driving. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeeb, Kathrin; Buchner, Axel; Schrauf, Michael
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 78(2015)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Automated driving -- Eye movements -- Driver distraction -- Driver take-over -- Visual attention -- Driving simulator; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2015.02.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: A driving simulator study on highly automated driving on the highway was conducted. The influence of the drivers' gaze behavior on driver take-over was examined. Drivers were classified into different risk groups according to their gaze behavior. High-risk drivers reacted later and less adequately when taking over the vehicle. A model approach of driver behavior in take-over situations is presented. Abstract: In recent years the automation level of driver assistance systems has increased continuously. One of the major challenges for highly automated driving is to ensure a safe driver take-over of the vehicle guidance. This must be ensured especially when the driver is engaged in non-driving related secondary tasks. For this purpose it is essential to find indicators of the driver's readiness to take over and to gain more knowledge about the take-over process in general. A simulator study was conducted to explore how drivers' allocation of visual attention during highly automated driving influences a take-over action in response to an emergency situation. Therefore we recorded drivers' gaze behavior during automated driving while simultaneously engaging in a visually demanding secondary task, and measured their reaction times in a take-over situation. According to their gaze behavior the drivers were categorized into "high", "medium" and "low-risk". The gaze parameters were found to be suitable for predicting the readiness to take-over the vehicle, in such a way that high-risk drivers reacted late and more often inappropriately in the take-over situation. However, there was no difference among the driver groups in the time required by the drivers to establish motor readiness to intervene after the take-over request. An integrated model approach of driver behavior in emergency take-over situations during automated driving is presented. It is argued that primarily cognitive and not motor processes determine the take-over time. Given this, insights can be derived for further research and the development of automated systems.