Investigating Differences in Behavior and Brain in Human-Human and Human-Autonomous Vehicle Interactions in Time-Critical Situations

Some studies provide evidence that humans could actively exploit the alleged technological advantages of autonomous vehicles (AVs). This implies may tend to interact differently with AVs as compared human driven (HVs) knowledge are programmed be risk-averse. Hence, it is important investigate how in complex traffic situations. Here, we investigated whether participants would value interactions HVs, and if these differences can characterized on behavioral brain-level. We presented a cover story while recording whole-head brain activity using fNIRS they were driving under time pressure through urban presence other HVs AVs. Moreover, defensively avoid collisions had faster braking reaction times than HVs. Participants receive monetary reward managed finish block within given time-limit without risky maneuvers. During drive, repeatedly confronted left-lane turning situations at unsignalized intersections. They stop find gap turn front an oncoming stream consisting While results did not show any significant difference between safety margin used during maneuvers respect or tended more certain their decision-making process reflected by smaller variance size acceptance Importantly, multivariate logistic regression approach, able predict decided from phase for every participant (mean accuracy = 67.2%, SD 5%). Channel-wise univariate analysis revealed increased activation areas represent valuation actions taken decision-making. The insights provided here useful development control systems assess future mixed environments involving