Verbal Prompts May Enhance Safety in Semi-Automated Cars - Here's How

Semi-automated cars, also known as partially automated or Level 2 automated cars, are vehicles that incorporate certain advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to automate specific driving tasks.

While they offer automated features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking, they still require the driver to remain engaged and attentive to the driving task.

In a semi-automated car, the driver is responsible for monitoring the road and maintaining control of the vehicle at all times. The automated features are designed to assist the driver but do not replace human intervention entirely.

But as semi-automated cars become more prevalent on the roads, concerns arise regarding potential dangers when technology malfunctions and drivers fail to intervene.

Now, a study conducted by Rice University and Old Dominion University suggests that the use of simple verbal prompts could help improve driver attention and enhance safety during semi-automated driving.

Boring but Demanding

The study, titled "Boring but Demanding: Using Secondary Tasks to Counter the Driver Vigilance Decrement for Partially Automated Driving," delves into strategies aimed at making semi-automated driving a safer experience with fewer accidents.

Jing Chen, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Rice and the senior author of the study, highlights the imperfections of automated technology in identifying hazardous situations, such as objects on the road, which may pose challenges for automation.

Dr. Chen refers to a previous study she conducted, demonstrating how human users often fail to grasp the susceptibility of computer vision systems to deception.

For instance, carefully designed stickers attached to road signs can be erroneously classified as critical to safety by automated systems.

In such cases, human drivers may need to compensate for the limitations of the automated system by taking control of the vehicle or providing assistance.

Throughout the experiment, a group of 117 students from Old Dominion University engaged in a simulated driving task that involved partial automation. As the 45-minute drive progressed, researchers noticed a decline in the participants' level of attention.

However, the introduction of intermittent simple questions during the drive yielded noteworthy enhancements in attentiveness. This improvement was reflected in quicker and more effective responses to potential hazards.

Significance of Heightened Attention

Dr. Chen underlines the significance of heightened attention as a means to empower drivers to maintain vigilance regarding potential risks and taking appropriate measures when needed, such as assuming manual control of the automated driving system.

This increased awareness may hold the promise of accident prevention and the creation of a safer driving environment.

The findings of this research shed light on a potential method to enhance safety in semi-automated cars. Verbal prompts that engage drivers and maintain their attention could prove to be a valuable tool in mitigating risks associated with automated driving systems.

The study was published in The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.