Use patterns among early adopters of adaptive cruise control

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate use patterns among early adopters of adaptive cruise control (ACC). Background: Extended use of ACC may influence a driver's behavior in the long term, which can have unintended safety consequences. Method: The authors examined the use of a motion-based simulator by 24 participants (15 males and 9 females). Cluster analysis was performed on drivers' use of ACC and was based on their gap settings, speed settings, number of warnings issued, and ACC disengaged. The data were then examined on the basis of driving performance measures and drivers' subjective responses to trust in ACC, understanding of system operations, and driving styles. Driving performance measures included minimum time headway, adjusted minimum time to collision, and drivers' reaction time to critical events. Results: Three groups of drivers were observed on the basis of risky behavior, moderately risky behavior, and conservative behavior. Drivers in the conservative group stayed farther behind the lead vehicle than did drivers in the other two groups. Risky drivers responded later to critical events and had more ACC warnings issued. Conclusion: Safety consequences with ACC may be more prevalent in some driver groups than others. The findings suggest that these safety implications are related to trust in automation, driving styles, understanding of system operations, and personalities. Application: Potential applications of this research include enhanced design for next-generation ACC systems and countermeasures to improve safe driving with ACC.