Driver\u2019s Mental Models of Advanced Vehicle Technologies: A Proposed Framework for Identifying and Predicting Operator Errors

University Transportation Centers Program2021PDFTech ReportPradhan, Anuj K.Pai, GaneshKnodler, Michael A.Fitzpatrick, ColeHorrey, William JUniversity of Massachusetts at AmherstSafety 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 StatesAutomationAutonomous intelligent cruise controlAutonomous vehiclesDriver errorsDriversKnowledge69A3551747131Advanced vehicle technologies are increasingly more accessible and available in vehicles. These current and future systems, despite promising added safety, convenience, and efficiency to drivers and road users, have an inherently higher level of complexity than the driving systems that most drivers are used to operating. In order to maximize the promised benefits, drivers will need to have a good understanding of these systems\u2014referred to as mental models\u2014in order to use them safely and appropriately. Previous research has identified drivers\u2019 gaps in knowledge of advanced vehicle technologies. Beyond users\u2019 knowledge of a system, understanding and defining a user\u2019s mental model is critical for many aspects of advanced vehicle technologies, including the design of, training for, and use of these systems. However, characterizing a driver\u2019s mental model is still a significant challenge. Moreover, these gaps and challenges will only be further accentuated with more complexity in vehicle automation, especially with higher levels of automation. This research was conducted to better elucidate advanced vehicle technologies from a user control perspective, to examine driver interaction with such complex systems, and to characterize driver mental models in this context. This is achieved through: (i) a review of the current state and complexities of one advanced vehicle technology\u2014Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)\u2014and its associated documentation, (ii) a review and synthesis of existing literature on mental models and error-making, (iii) the development of a task analysis for driver-automation interactions, and (iv) the building of a framework to help examine user interactions with complex systems to identify sources and probabilities of error commission. This document also reports on an examination of the limitations of various ACC systems in the current market in the context of manufacturer\u2019s reporting of such limitations.127