Towards a Framework for Testing Drivers' Interaction with Partially Automated Driving

Partially automated driving takes away driving control from the driver in situations which allow complete automation, but leaves final responsibility for safe driving at the human operator. Accordingly, the driver's role changes to supervision, and - occasionally - intervention. For testing required solutions to support drivers' new interaction with partially automated driving systems, this study proposes an assessment framework, aimed for application early within the development process while using driving simulation. We conclude that the assessment aspects within the envisioned framework should be three-fold, i.e. assess (a) Situation Awareness, (b) Accident Avoidance, and: (c) Acceptance. Measurement techniques to test these aspects have been defined. Moreover, six traffic scenarios have been evaluated for their successfulness in creating different levels of difficulty in understanding and solving traffic situations representative for the interaction between partial automation and drivers. While defining the required assessment aspects and confirming the scenarios' relevance, this study is an important step to establish the desired framework.