Accelerated Behavioural Adaptation through Targeted Training Programs : the Case of Highly Automated Driving

A prominent issue in the field of automotive research is the apparent lack of consideration given to the potentially safety-critical differences between novice and experienced users of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Conducting experiments with novices only often results in the generation of unrepresentative findings, as these new systems often come with a lengthy adaptation period following their introduction. Running experiments with experienced drivers, however, is difficult, as these are often few and far between, if they even exist. To alleviate this discrepancy, and to help researchers acquire participants more akin to experienced drivers, even before a system has been launched, the approach of AcceLerated Behavioural Adaptation through Targeted tRaining prOgramS (ALBATROS) is proposed. It aims at training drivers in the use of the system, ideally giving them a level of experience similar to experienced users of said systems. A framework for the ALBATROS approach is presented, as is the development of a proof-of-concept training program following this approach. Likewise, a mock-up ADAS, that provides drivers with both longitudinal and lateral support of the vehicle, dubbed the Driver Assist (DA), is presented, for which the training program (the DATP) is developed. The current study presents an experiment designed to validate the efficacy of the DATP, and ultimately, the ALBATROS approach itself. The current study concludes that DATP-trained drivers display significantly improved understanding of the DA system following training and are significantly more likely to retake control in critical situations, than are untrained drivers. Thus, the ALBATROS approach appears a viable approach in giving drivers a better understanding of an ADAS system. However, whether the DATP succeeded in creating drivers similar in experience and understanding to real experienced users of said sys- tem, and if so, exactly how similar, is still unknown. More research is needed, specifically, studies comparing experienced users with those having been trained with the ALBATROS approach.