Prevalence of Drowsy & Distracted Driving While Using Partial Driving Automation

Introduction

Previous research has estimated that as many as one in five fatal crashes likely involves driver drowsiness. Similarly, driver distraction continues to be a major contributor to motor vehicle crashes. Although research to date is limited, there are concerns that partial driving (L2) automation systems may lead drivers to engage in more distracting behaviors and/or increase willingness to drive when drowsy. Previous research was largely conducted on the earliest versions of L2 automated systems, and in some cases with drivers using vehicles that were relatively new or unfamiliar to them. These systems have since evolved to include refined algorithms and driver monitoring systems that are designed to potentially improve safety. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is partnering with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to examine the impact of L2 automated systems on driver behavior when these systems are active compared to when these systems are available but inactive.

Project Goal and Plan

The purpose of this project is to assess the prevalence of secondary task engagement and drowsiness in drivers when using L2 automated systems, compared to situations when the systems are available but not active. The research will also examine the role of distraction and drowsiness in crashes and near crashes and whether drivers strategically initiate L2 systems when planning to engage in distracting tasks or when they are becoming drowsy. The study will leverage data from a robust and recent naturalistic driving study of over 230 drivers of vehicles equipped with L2 technology, with each driver being observed for a period of up to 18 months.