Illuminating Safety: Can Light Cues Enhance Situation Awareness During Take-Overs in Conditional Automated Driving?

In conditional automated driving, the car sometimes has to initiate a take-over. The safety of a take-over depends on the driver's situation awareness, which may be compromised due to engagement in non-driving related tasks. Light cues can direct the driver's gaze towards critical areas. This study investigates whether light cues also enhance situation awareness. A driving simulation study was conducted to compare situation awareness between a group receiving light cues and a control group. Situation awareness was assessed using the Situational Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). No significant differences were found between the groups (N = 48). Situation awareness varied across different areas of interest, with near-perfect situation awareness for the speedometer and close to guessing probability for the rear-view mirror. Methodological approaches to assessing situation awareness during take-overs are discussed. Future analyses will examine the effect of light cues on driving behavior as an outcome of situation awareness.