The Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds is pleased to welcome
Dr. Hamish Jamson - Principle Research Fellow and Facility Manager, University of Leeds Driving Simulator, ITS
to lead a seminar entitled
Fully-Automated Driving: The Road to Future Vehicles
The study investigated the impact of fully-automated vehicle control on driver behaviour, physiology and the uptake of
secondary tasks in varying traffic conditions. Previous studies have indicated the potential ironies of such automation on
fatigue, stress and situational awareness, but have also suggested potential benefits through enhanced safety, more efficient
traffic flows and reduced driver workload. The research was undertaken in a high-fidelity driving simulator that allowed
drivers to see, feel and hear the impact of the automated control. Independent factors of Drive Type (manual control, fullyautomated)
and Traffic Density (light, heavy) were manipulated in a repeated-measures experimental design. 49 drivers
participated. Drivers experiencing full vehicle automation tended to refrain from behaviours, such as overtaking, that required
them to temporarily retake manual control, accepting the resulting increase in journey time. Automation improved safety
margins in car following, but this benefit was restricted only to conditions of light surrounding traffic. Automation also
reduced heart rate and increased driver fatigue, the latter being mitigated somewhat by high traffic density. Furthermore,
drivers became more heavily involved with in-vehicle entertainment than they were in manual driving, affording less visual
attention to the road ahead. Drivers do appear happy to forgo their supervisory responsibilities in preference of a more
entertaining automated drive. However, these responsibilities are taken more seriously as supervisory demand increases.
to be held
Friday 22nd July, 14:30 in the Institute for Transport Studies Lecture Theatre, University of Leeds
More details about the department, as well as a map and directions can be found at: http://www.its.leeds.ac.uk/
All welcome, refreshments provided. Please get in contact for any further details.
Daz Hibberd
PhD Student
Institute for Transport Studies
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT
U.K.
Tel: 0113 34 37 325
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