As more vehicles with partial automation systems become commonplace, safety experts are growing increasingly concerned about driver attention and the risk of crashes linked to these technologies. A new survey, however, suggests a potential solution to this problem: allowing drivers to adjust the steering while using partial automation could help maintain their focus.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a study showing that drivers using advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) are more likely to stay alert when they are permitted to correct the steering without disengaging the automation. According to David Harkey, president of IIHS, “These results suggest that small differences in system design can nudge drivers toward safer habits.”
A significant challenge lies in the fact that many people struggle to differentiate between ADAS and fully autonomous driving systems. When a car controls acceleration, braking, lane centering, automatic lane changes, and even monitors blind spots, and the driver’s hands are off the wheel, it can be tempting to view the system as self-driving. It’s easy to see why so many individuals mistakenly equate these driver-assistance features with autonomous driving.
However, there is growing evidence that most ADAS technologies are less safe than human driving. Drivers often develop an overreliance on these systems, trusting them to take over driving tasks even after just a short time of use. As a result, when the time comes to regain control of the vehicle, their reaction times are slower than necessary, which can be dangerous. Additionally, there is an increase in distracted driving incidents when ADAS is in use. With their hands off the wheel, drivers are more likely to use that time to engage in other activities, such as using their phones.
To better understand how different systems address the issue of driver inattention, IIHS researchers conducted an online survey involving 1,260 owners of Ford, General Motors, Nissan/Infiniti, and Tesla vehicles equipped with partial automation. These drivers regularly used the technology, which allowed the researchers to evaluate how different systems affect driver behavior.
The study compared models that allowed steering input with those that did not. For instance, Ford’s BlueCruise and Nissan/Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist systems maintain operation when the driver makes steering adjustments within the lane, which IIHS calls “shared control.” On the other hand, GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot turn off lane centering support when the driver provides steering input. Additionally, while Nissan and Tesla require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, Ford and GM allow hands-free driving in certain conditions.
The survey results revealed a notable trend: drivers whose vehicles allowed for shared control were significantly less likely to remove their hands from the wheel in situations that would typically make most drivers uneasy. Specifically, these drivers were 40-48% less likely to do so compared to those whose systems didn’t allow for steering adjustments. Alexandra Mueller, the study’s author, noted that these findings suggest that “cooperative steering may have an implicit influence on how willing drivers are to take action when the situation calls for it, regardless of how they think their system is designed.”
As partial automation systems become more prevalent on the road, safety advocates are urging the federal government to address the potential dangers associated with these technologies. Fortunately, regulators seem to be taking the issue more seriously. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a standing general order that requires automakers to report crashes involving autonomous vehicles and Level 2 driver-assist systems, which are currently installed in millions of vehicles. The order mandates that companies document any incidents where ADAS was engaged within 30 seconds of a crash and report these to the government. Notably, Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, along with Ford’s BlueCruise, are currently under investigation as part of these regulatory efforts.
As the number of partially automated vehicles on the road continues to grow, ensuring that these systems operate safely and do not inadvertently encourage dangerous driving behaviors will be crucial. While advancements in technology can undoubtedly improve driving experiences, careful consideration of the impact on driver attention and behavior is essential for minimizing risks on the road. By refining these systems and encouraging safer habits, automakers can help mitigate the potential hazards of partial automation, ultimately making the roads safer for everyone.