Human Engagement with Autonomous Vehicles:

To help establish a basic knowledge of the current state of research and development in the area of driver safety in operating autonomous level 3 vehicles, a comprehensive search and scoping review was conducted based on available literature. This review focuses on the following topics: (1) driver interactions with autonomous vehicles, (2) driver mindset while operating an autonomous car, or (3) potential system designs to keep the driver engaged.

There are currently two main approaches used to assist drivers of autonomous vehicles--warning systems and engagement systems. A warning system notifies the driver of a potential problem through an audio, visual, and/or tactile alert, or some combination of these modes. Engagement systems measure a driver’s attentiveness via such methods as the measuring the driver’s eye movements or recognizing postures that correlates to a driver’s readiness to receive a warning.

The majority of the current research has focused more on warning systems rather than engagement systems. This is consistent with the current SAE International's definition of LVL 3 automation, which states that the driver does not need to pay attention to the environment unless the system notifies them. Several recent, high-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles have been attributed to, at least in part, driver disengagement. Thus, further research is needed to determine whether the current premise that warning systems alone are appropriate and sufficient countermeasures should be challenged.

Contact me at bobthomasforzano@gmail.com for any questions on the report.