Assessing driver’s mental representation of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and its possible effects on behavioural adaptations

Abstract

The introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) could be very helpful for making the longitudinal driving task more comfortable for the drivers and, as a consequence, it could have a global beneficial effect on road safety. However, before or during the usage of the device, due to several reasons, drivers might generate in their mind incomplete or flawed mental representations about the fundamental operation principles of ACC; hence, the resulting usage of the device might be improper, negatively affecting the human-machine interaction and cooperation and, in some cases, leading to negative behavioural adaptations to the system that might neutralise the desirable positive effects on road safety. Within this context, this paper will introduce the methodology which has been developed in order to analyse in detail the topic and foresee, in the future, adequate actions for the recovery of inaccurate mental representations of the system.

User Experience and Behavioural Adaptation Based on Repeated Usage of Vehicle Automation: Online Survey

“…From a BA perspective on BLIS, consist of the possibility of drivers becoming complacent and relying on the system rather than consistently checking their rear-view mirrors over the long term [14]. The study in [29] highlighted that both ACC and BLIS have the capability to reduce driving task discomfort and risks while enhancing driving comfort and promoting safer journeys. However, studies have also cautioned about the potential for users to exhibit negative BA, which could lead to adverse effects on safety.…”

“…Concerning BA, we consider that, for ACC, research on BA yields conflicting results, particularly regarding lane keeping, following distance, speed adjustment, and reaction to critical events. Consequently, no unanimous conclusions have been reached in this area of study [29]. For BLIS, there is a notable scarcity of studies focused specifically on BA, highlighting a gap in the existing research.…”

“…For BLIS, there is a notable scarcity of studies focused specifically on BA, highlighting a gap in the existing research. Therefore, there is a clear necessity for further investigation and exploration in this area to better understand its implications and effects [29].…”