Interaction with and Use of Driver Assistance Systems: A Study of End-User Experiences

The paper explores drivers', i.e. end-users', self-reported interaction with and experiences of using five different advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and driver state warning. Main themes investigated in three focus group interviews were (i) usage of system, (ii) functional limitations and trust, and (iii) driving behavior and traffic safety. Findings imply negative experiences due to functional limitations (mainly associated with weather conditions) but also positive experiences (accidents avoided), changes in driving behavior (e.g. a more relaxed driving style, increased use of directional indicators), as well as effects on traffic safety (e.g. longer distance to vehicles ahead and accident avoidance). Thus, collecting information on end-users’ experiences of ADAS, in real traffic and over time, contributes to the overall understanding of the effects of ADAS and, in addition, provides valuable input to the further development and deployment of the systems.