Drivers are more likely to multitask when using partial automation, and some manage to do so even while playing by the rules of the systems’ attention requirements, according to new research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
A month long study of driver behavior conducted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab, found drivers were much more likely to check their phones, eat a sandwich or do other visual-manual activities while using one car manufacturer’s partial automation system than when driving unassisted.
A second study focusing on another autopilot system saw drivers quickly mastering the timing interval of its attention reminder feature so that they could prevent warnings from escalating to more serious interventions. Researchers said some people used this skill to continue engaging in distracting behaviors, punctuated by quick moves to stop the alerts.
“In both these studies, drivers adapted their behavior to engage in distracting activities,” said IIHS President David Harkey.
“This demonstrates why partial automation systems need more robust safeguards to prevent misuse.”
