Mapping Comprehension of ADAS Across Different Driving and Road User Populations

Introduction

Although advanced driver assistance systems are widely available on new vehicles sold today, knowledge of and experiences with these technologies varies considerably across demographic groups. For these technologies to achieve their potential safety benefits, and not have unintended consequences, it is important that drivers and other road users understand their intended functions, capabilities, and limitations. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is working cooperatively with the University of Iowa to examine understanding of vehicle technologies.

Project Goal and Plan

The goal of this project is to examine understanding of advanced vehicle technologies—specifically adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance—among drivers and other road user populations, as well as confidence in their understanding, overall and in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, personality, and other factors. Of particular interest are drivers identified in past research who misunderstand these technologies yet are highly confident in their knowledge.

The project will conduct an online survey and collect data from a representative sample of more than 2,500 respondents. Survey questions will include experiences with these technologies, knowledge and understanding of the technologies, confidence in their understanding, training and learning preferences, demographic and personality characteristics, and other factors. The outcomes of this research will inform the development of education and training approaches for specific groups of drivers according to age, gender, and individual differences.