Age-Related Differences in Driver Behavior Associated with Automated Vehicles and the Transfer of Control between Automated and Manual Control: A Simulator Evaluation

Abstract

The overall objective of this exploratory research was to examine specific human factors issues associated with transfer of control between automated and manual driving to characterize age-related differences in behaviors and reactions to this transition. Seventy-two participants were recruited from three age groups (young novice drivers age 16-19, older drivers age 65-75, and comparison drivers age 25-45). Participants were presented with simulated driving environments containing manual and automated driving modes with multiple transition scenarios. Objective driving data were collected on take-over related measures and visual gaze behaviors. Following the drive, participants completed the NASA TLX questionnaire, a structured interview to explore perceptions related to the drive, and a questionnaire to gather background information and to explore the use of various technologies. When analyzing performance in the driving simulator in terms of take-over related measures and visual gaze behaviors, it appeared that the young driver group markedly different, whereas the older driver group was closer in behaviors to the comparison group. There were also age differences found in the structured interview, questionnaire, and NASA TLX. This project extended research on automated vehicle technologies to encompass the social and behavioral aspects of the transfer of control between automated and manual control, and helps provide a foundation knowledge for age-specific issues related to automated vehicles.