Publication
Semi-automated versus highly automated driving in critical situations caused by automation failures
The purpose of this study was to examine effects of vehicle automation and automation failures on driving performance. Previous studies have shown problems with driving performance in situations with automation failures and attributed this to drivers being out-of-the-loop. It was therefore hypothesized that driving performance is safer with lower than with higher levels of automation. Furthermore it was hypothesized that driving performance would be affected by the level of deceleration failure. A moving base driving simulator was used. The design contained semi-automated and highly automated driving combined with complete, severe, and moderate deceleration failures. In total the study engaged 36 participants. The results indicate that driving performance degrade when the level of automation increases. Furthermore it is indicated that car drivers are worse at handling complete than partial deceleration failures.