Combining Driving Automation Intent and Hazard Information with an Attention Reminder System: Is More Information Always Better?

Automation can result in driver inattention and distraction, which has contributed to fatal collisions. One common safeguard implemented by automakers is “attention reminders” (ARs), which issue alerts when drivers are inattentive. Despite some observed benefits, it is unclear whether ARs alone can ensure safe operation of automation. Thus, ARs might be enhanced by combining them with displays conveying additional information, such as automation intent and surrounding hazards. A driving simulator study was conducted to evaluate the effects of combining ARs with additional information on driver visual attention (measured through gaze behavior). Forty-eight participants were assigned to one of three conditions: Baseline AR, AR + automation intent (that the automation would slow down the car), and AR + automation intent + hazard information (location & severity of potential hazard). The findings suggest that combining ARs with both automation intent and hazard information may have diverted attention away from cues in the environment indicating potential traffic conflicts, while combining the AR with automation intent only supported visual attention to the cues. However, the additional information did not show a performance benefit compared to the Baseline AR. Thus, further research should be done to investigate how to enhance ARs with additional supporting information.