Driver behavior and advanced driver assistance systems: an exploratory driving simulator study

This paper explores potential driver behavior changes due to the interactions with advanced vehicle technologies emerging on the market. These technologies, called Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can take control over specific functions of the vehicle, and provide warnings to assist drivers in a variety of driving tasks. These technologies were designed mainly to improve roadway safety and provide comfort to drivers. There is evidence that these systems may change the way drivers behave on the road, resulting in traffic operational improvements and congestion mitigation, but a limited amount of research has been conducted to assess these potential impacts. This study evaluated performance measures of a vehicle equipped with two types of ADAS in a driving simulator (STISIM Drive) environment. Two systems, which are more likely to affect traffic operations, were evaluated: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Change Assist (LCA). A specific route was created in the driving simulator, which consisted of an arterial section followed by a freeway. This route was driven twice by drivers: first without the systems and secondly using the two ADAS. There were a total of 25 participants with varying characteristics and backgrounds. Performance measures such as speed, lane change maneuvers, and headway with the front vehicle were collected. The analysis compared driver performance for different driver groups as well as for the entire sample. Peformance without the systems was compared to that obtained while the systems were used. Results showed changes in driving behavior due to the systems and specific driver’s characteristics that are more likely to be affected by these technologies.