Directional Preferences During Silent Failures in Automated Driving

Automated driving technology has evolved significantly, promising easier navigation in the future. However, silent failures may go unnoticed due to the driver's inattention. While there is research on situational awareness, cognitive effects, and take-over performance in self-driving, there is less emphasis on drivers' turning preferences and handedness during silent failures at T-intersections, especially when they are not actively grasping the wheel. In this study, researchers recorded the direction that participants steered to avoid a collision at a T-intersection during the silent failure. Participants watched six driving scenarios demonstrating a silent failure and indicated their steering direction using hand gestures. It was hypothesized that participants would turn right and use both hands during the emergency maneuver. This hypothesis was based on the assumption that drivers would choose a direction and hand usage during emergency maneuvers based on their immediate perception of control and safety in a high-stress situation. Previous study also showed that using both hands on the wheel is a typical response in high-stress situations, as it provides greater control during sudden maneuvers. We are currently collecting data.