Peripheral Monitoring of Traffic in Conditionally Automated Driving

Conditionally automated vehicles (level 3) allow drivers to engage in visual, non-driving related tasks (NDRTs) while the automation is active. System limits require drivers to reengage in the dynamic driving task in take-over situations. If the NDRT is visually engaging, situation awareness (SA) necessary for a successful take-over can decrease. This study analyzed, if the SA of drivers increases while monitoring the surrounding traffic peripherally. A semi-transparent balloon game in the head-up display operationalized the engagement into a visual NDRT with the possibility of peripheral monitoring. In addition, participants without the possibility of monitoring due to simulated heavy fog (second group) were tested along with a third group that could monitor surroundings self-determined without a NDRT. The between-subject design included 57 participants. Results showed that self-determined monitoring leads to higher situation awareness compared to peripheral monitoring and no monitoring. This did not result in better take-over performances.