The Impact of Driver\u2019s Mental Models of Advanced Vehicle Technologies on Safety and Performance

US Transportation Collectionhttps://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/0CWLOZ2020PDFTech ReportGaspar, John GCarney, CherShull, EmilyHorrey, William JSafety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation CenterAAA Foundation for Traffic SafetyUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramUnited States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and TechnologySafety Research Using Simulation (SAFER-SIM) University Transportation CenterAAA Foundation for Traffic SafetyUnited StatesAutonomous intelligent cruise controlDriver performanceDriver support systemsDriversDriving simulatorsKnowledgeUncertainty69A3551747131Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are rapidly being introduced across automobile manufacturer lineups. These technologies have the potential to improve safety, but they also change the driver-vehicle relationship\u2014as well as their respective roles and responsibilities. To maximize safety, it is important to understand how drivers\u2019 knowledge and understanding of these technologies\u2014referred to as drivers\u2019 mental models\u2014impact performance and safety. This study evaluated the impact of the degree of accuracy (or quality) of drivers\u2019 mental models of adaptive cruise control (ACC) on performance using a high-fidelity driving simulator. Participants with varying degrees of ACC experience were recruited and trained such that they had either a strong or weak mental model. Participants then completed a study where they interacted with the ACC system and encountered several edge-case events. In general, participants with strong mental models were faster than those with weak mental models to respond in edge-case situations\u2014 defined as cases where the ACC did not detect an approaching object, such as a slow-moving motorcycle. The performance deficits observed for drivers with weak mental models appear to reflect uncertainty surrounding how ACC will behave in edge cases. These results raise several important questions surrounding driver introductions to ADAS and the need for training.120