How simple prompts can make partially automated cars safer

A new study finds that prompts do a good job of getting drivers to engage with their environment and take over control of the vehicle when necessary while using partially automated driving systems—with one exception. If drivers are deeply distracted, these system-generated prompts have little or no effect. The paper “Awaking the disengaged: Can driving-related prompts engage drivers in partial automation?” is published in the journal Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.