How to navigate the intermediate levels of vehicle automation?

• To safely navigate the intermediate levels of automation we must shift perspective towards more human-centered approaches. • The Driver/Automation Fitness plane provides insight into when and why to switch control between driver and automation. • A Driver/Automation mediator predicts driver and system fitness to optimally divide driving tasks in real time. • From human-centered design perspective we defined three human-centered driving modes rather than six levels of automation. • The HMI of human-centered driving modes must primarily show the current operation mode and remaining time-budget clearly. As the world moves towards higher levels of vehicle automation, the interplay between human drivers and automated systems becomes increasingly complex. This paper addresses the challenges of navigating the intermediate levels of vehicle automation, the transition stage from human driven vehicles to automated vehicles. The step-by-step introduction of automated features introduces new risks, such as mode confusion and over-reliance on automation, as well as mental underload or overload which lead to decreased driver performance and increased crash risk. In addition, during the transition, automation technology is still maturing and also has its limitations. In our view, we should aim to integrate the strengths of both human drivers and automation to enhance traffic safety and driver comfort. This paper aims to contribute conceptually to the scientific discourse on vehicle automation and to focus future research. It presents four key concepts that have proven to be meaningful to change perspective, including the Driver/Automation Fitness Plane, the definition of human-centered driving modes, and the mediator approach to seamless collaboration between driver and automation. These concepts are designed to facilitate a safer and more intuitive interaction between humans and automated systems, leveraging interdisciplinary perspectives on technology, behavior, cognition, and design. The paper concludes with a discussion on the potential of automation and calls for a human-centered approach to fully realize the benefits of vehicle automation.