COMPARATIVE SIMULATOR STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF A TARGETED TRAINING PROGRAM ON ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL USERS WITH VARYING EXPERIENCE LEVELS

In today’s fast-paced world, mobility is more essential than ever. However, with increased mobility comes a greater risk of motor vehicle crashes. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 42,000 motor vehicle-related fatalities in the United States. To enhance driver safety, prevent crashes, and improve vehicle usability, manufacturers are increasingly equipping vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Despite these advancements, drivers may not always fully understand the capabilities and limitations of these systems. Targeted training programs can help bridge this gap by accelerating driver learning. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a newly developed training program designed to enhance drivers' mental models of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The program focuses on educating drivers about their responsibilities while using ACC and its limitations. Additionally, the study examines how training impacts drivers with varying levels of ACC experience. A between-groups simulator study was conducted, where participants were categorized based on their prior ACC experience and the type of training received—either a limitations and responsibility-based program or a sham training session. Participants completed pre-training surveys and a simulated drive before undergoing training. Following the training, they completed a second simulated drive and post-training surveys. The effectiveness of the training was assessed using measures of ACC knowledge, trust and confidence in the system, eye gaze behavior, and driving characteristics. Results indicate that participants who received limitations and responsibility-based training demonstrated improved eye gaze behavior and greater trust in ACC compared to those who underwent sham training. Additionally, participants with high ACC experience consistently outperformed those with less experience, exhibiting better eye gaze behavior, increased confidence, and stronger trust in the system. Knowledge and confidence improved progressively over time. While the training program effectively enhanced specific aspects of driver behavior, overall improvements in driving performance were primarily driven by experience and continued system use.