University of Windsor data reveals how drivers use automated driving systems

UWindsor semi-autonomous driving research A look at operating a vehicle using the semi-automated driving feature. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell shows us more.

Researchers at the University of Windsor are set to review data gathered over the last five months to assess how drivers use automations when behind the wheel.

It is part of a $319,000 study that involves a team of research subjects who drive a recently purchased Tesla Model 3 on Highway 401 from Windsor to Chatham and back.

“This is one of the first projects of this kind in Canada,” said Francesco Biondi, a professor of kinesiology. “We need to study how drivers use semi-automatic driving systems and understand the distraction potential of using these technologies.”

Biondi and engineering professor Balakumar Balasingam, are conducting a real-world study of advanced driver assistance systems. The researchers compare driver behaviour when the vehicle is in the manual driving mode and when it is in Tesla’s partially automated “autopilot” mode.

Biondi told CTV News Windsor, “We see some drivers getting a little frightened because they're used to the car driving pretty well in all honesty. But then as soon as something unpredictable, if something unusual starts happening, they become a little frightened.”

The Tesla is outfitted with a dashboard-mounted eye tracker that monitors pupil dilation, blink rates, and gaze to assess the driver’s alertness. Drivers wear other devices to monitor other physiological metrics such as heart rate.

Researchers noticed when drivers use the autonomous features, they became more distracted, according to Biondi.

“They sort of kickback,” Biondi said. “Humans are lazy, so we tend to sort of like whatever opportunity we may have to sort of take advantage of it.”

He continued, “I feel for the motorist because they're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Because on the one hand whenever they go into the dealerships, or they look up online or they watch the ads on TV or on the internet, maybe they're not told directly, but they're sort of given the sense that these vehicles may be capable to do more than they're supposed to.”

Biondi believes more education is needed as autonomous vehicles become more commonplace.

The study’s findings will be shared so manufacturers can make improvements to driver monitoring systems. The researchers will also make recommendations to the MTO with the goal of improving driver training.

“The more advanced these vehicles become, the more that component, that factor becomes more important to help drivers better understand how to use this technology. What to do and more importantly, what not to do,” Biondi added.