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Jianshu Wang
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From preparation to action in driving takeovers

How do drivers’ prior tendencies and preparation relate to braking and steering as they take over from automation?

Manuscript submitted

Context
VR human-factors experiment

I independently designed the study, implemented its task and warning sequences in Unity and C#, and analyzed driving and physiological records.

A seated participant wears a VR headset and uses a steering wheel and pedals, with recording leads attached.Opens in a new tab.
Research setup. VR, driving controls and physiological recording.
Scenario overview with traffic cones and construction equipment ahead on a simulated road.Opens in a new tab.
Roadworks · Scenario overview
Scenario overview with two pedestrian figures ahead on a simulated road.Opens in a new tab.
Pedestrians · Scenario overview

Understanding preparation

I separated the opportunity to observe the road from the request to take control. This let me examine what drivers understood before acting and how that preparation related to the braking and steering that followed.

  1. 1 Automated driving

    Letter task in memory-task groups.

  2. 2 Observe the road

    Monitoring request; automation retains control.

  3. 3 Road-situation questions

    Answer questions about the scene before taking control.

  4. 4 Transfer to manual control

    1. Scene resumes
    2. Takeover request
    3. Manual control

    Steering, pedals and speed recorded; workload ratings follow the event.

Cardiac (ECG), muscle (EMG) and electrodermal (EDA) activity recorded throughout.

Illustration of the study sequence. Participants were assigned to one-back, three-back or control groups. The question stage paused the simulation; spacing does not represent duration.

I considered prior driving tendencies alongside drivers’ understanding of the current hazard and physiological changes during preparation. Following braking and steering beyond the first input let me examine how drivers organized the maneuver and how the developing action sequence related to collision risk.

Driving takeover research overview

Further study details and results will be added after publication.