Recent studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show a concerning trend. Drivers using partial automation systems like Volvo’s Pilot Assist and Tesla’s Autopilot are more likely to engage in distracting activities.
These behaviors include checking phones, eating and performing other non-driving tasks. Over time, some drivers become more comfortable with the technology and increase their multitasking.
Others manage to adhere to the system’s attention requirements while still engaging in distractions. The studies underline the need for better safeguards to prevent misuse of these systems.
Key takeaways from the IIHS studies
The IIHS highlights several behaviors that some drivers adopt when using partial automation systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Here are a few of the troubling findings:
- Drivers are likelier to engage in non-driving activities like checking phones, eating or grooming.
- The tendency to multitask increases as drivers become more comfortable with the automation system.
- Some drivers learn to game the system, performing just enough actions to prevent warnings while continuing to be distracted.
- In the Tesla Autopilot study, drivers often received attention-related warnings and sometimes ignored them, leading to system lockouts.
These behaviors show a disturbing adaptation to partial automation systems that could lead to more accidents if not properly addressed.
Safeguards that could improve highway safety
To tackle these issues, the IIHS and other safety organizations recommend several steps to reduce distracted driving. The recommendations include:
- Enhanced attention monitoring: Use advanced sensors and AI to better detect distracted driving, not just relying on steering wheel torque.
- Stronger alerts: Implement more aggressive and varied alert systems to ensure drivers remain attentive.
- Driver education: Educate drivers on the importance of staying engaged even when using automation systems.
- Policy changes: Advocate for stricter regulations around the use of partial automation systems to ensure safe use of them.
- System improvements: Continuously update the software to improve lane-centering and attention reminders to make misuse harder.
Safety groups say implementing these safeguards can help ensure that partial automation systems enhance safety rather than detract from it.