Abstract
Automated driving systems have the potential to lower driver workload, but may also induce fatigue and loss of situation awareness. This study investigated individual differences in fatigue response to automation that is under the driver's control. Of particular interest was the driver's choice of whether or not to use an automation option. The study included the Driver Stress Inventory (DSI), which assesses five personality traits that may control vulnerability to stress and fatigue: Aggression, Dislike of Driving, Fatigue Proneness, Hazard Monitoring, and Thrill Seeking. Participants were assigned to one of two experimental conditions, Automation Optional (AO) or Non-Automation (NA), and then performed a 35-minute simulated drive. Availability of automation failed to protect the driver from fatigue and distress; drivers in the AO condition actually showed poorer response times to a sudden traffic event. Individuals who chose to use automation in the AO condition showed higher levels of distress. DSI Fatigue-Proneness predicted higher levels of fatigue and stress, especially in automation-users. Thus, some individuals are especially prone to automation-induced fatigue, so that system designs should accommodate individual vulnerabilities.
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