IIHS: Drivers Using ‘Autonomous’ Features More Likely to Be Distracted

A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reveals that drivers using cars with automation software are more likely to engage in distracting behaviors. “Although most automakers advertise their driver assistance software packages as a convenient tool to make driving less of a chore, abuse is known to be common.”

The study tested Volvo’s Pilot Assist and Tesla’s Autopilot systems, explains William Gavin in an article in Quartz. “Drivers were distracted more than 30% of the time they used Pilot Assist, the IIHS found.”

In Tesla’s case, drivers learned how to placate the steering wheel sensor that detects the driver’s hands without changing their behavior. “The IIHS noted that the longer drivers used Autopilot, the less time it took for them to take their hands of the wheel after the alerts stopped.” According to IIHS President David Harkey, “If you train [people] to think that paying attention means nudging the steering wheel every few seconds, then that’s exactly what they’ll do.”

Gavin notes that both the Volvo and Tesla systems received a “poor” safety rating from the IIHS earlier this year.