University of Windsor data reveals how drivers use automated driving systems
Researchers at the University of Windsor are set to review data gathered over the last five months to assess how drivers use automations when behind the wheel.
It is part of a $319,000 study that involves a team of research subjects who drive a recently purchased Tesla Model 3 on Highway 401 from Windsor to Chatham and back.
“This is one of the first projects of this kind in Canada,” said Francesco Biondi, a professor of kinesiology. “We need to study how drivers use semi-automatic driving systems and understand the distraction potential of using these technologies.”
Biondi and engineering professor Balakumar Balasingam, are conducting a real-world study of advanced driver assistance systems. The researchers compare driver behaviour when the vehicle is in the manual driving mode and when it is in Tesla’s partially automated “autopilot” mode.
Biondi told CTV News Windsor, “We see some drivers getting a little frightened because they're used to the car driving pretty well in all honesty. But then as soon as something unpredictable, if something unusual starts happening, they become a little frightened.”
The Tesla is outfitted with a dashboard-mounted eye tracker that monitors pupil dilation, blink rates, and gaze to assess the driver’s alertness. Drivers wear other devices to monitor other physiological metrics such as heart rate.
A University of Windsor CHARGE vehicle (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) is seen in Windsor, Ont. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Researchers noticed when drivers use the autonomous features, they became more distracted, according to Biondi.
“They sort of kickback,” Biondi said. “Humans are lazy, so we tend to sort of like whatever opportunity we may have to sort of take advantage of it.”
He continued, “I feel for the motorist because they're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Because on the one hand whenever they go into the dealerships, or they look up online or they watch the ads on TV or on the internet, maybe they're not told directly, but they're sort of given the sense that these vehicles may be capable to do more than they're supposed to.”
Biondi believes more education is needed as autonomous vehicles become more commonplace.
The study’s findings will be shared so manufacturers can make improvements to driver monitoring systems. The researchers will also make recommendations to the MTO with the goal of improving driver training.
“The more advanced these vehicles become, the more that component, that factor becomes more important to help drivers better understand how to use this technology. What to do and more importantly, what not to do,” Biondi added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.