A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shed light on a crucial aspect of partially autonomous vehicles: keeping drivers attentive while using advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The research suggests that allowing drivers to correct the steering without disengaging the partial automation can significantly reduce distraction and promote safer habits.

The IIHS conducted an online survey of 1,260 owners of Ford, General Motors, Nissan/Infiniti, and Tesla vehicles equipped with partial automation, who regularly use the technology. The study found that drivers were more likely to stay alert when they were allowed to adjust the steering, even if only slightly, while using ADAS. This "shared control" approach, as IIHS refers to it, can have a profound impact on road safety.

The concern about driver attention is not new. Many safety researchers have warned about the potential risks of partial automation, citing the tendency of drivers to develop an overreliance on these systems. This can lead to slower reaction times when it's time to take back control of the vehicle, and an increased likelihood of distracted driving. The IIHS study provides valuable insights into how different system designs can influence driver behavior.

The survey results showed that drivers whose vehicles allowed shared control were 40-48 percent less likely to keep their hands off the wheel in situations that would make most drivers nervous. This suggests that cooperative steering may have an implicit influence on how willing drivers are to take action when the situation calls for it, regardless of how they think their system is designed.

The implications of this study are significant, particularly as more partially automated vehicles hit the road. Safety advocates are urging the federal government to take note of the potential dangers of this technology and to regulate it more effectively. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a standing general order requiring automakers to report crashes involving autonomous vehicles as well as Level 2 driver-assist systems. Companies are now required to document collisions when ADAS was in use within 30 seconds of impact and report those incidents to the government.

Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, as well as Ford's BlueCruise, are currently under investigation. As the industry continues to develop and deploy partially autonomous vehicles, it is crucial that safety researchers, regulators, and manufacturers work together to ensure that these systems are designed with driver attention and safety in mind.

The IIHS study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of careful system design and the need for ongoing research into the human factors that influence driver behavior. By understanding how drivers interact with partially autonomous vehicles, we can work towards creating safer, more reliable transportation systems for all.