Cognitive and Driving Performance of Individuals With a History of Concussion in Conditionally Automated Vehicles

Abstract

Concussion represents a global health challenge affecting cognitive, motor, perceptual and behavioural tasks. Concussed individuals often experience impairments that impact driving performance, yet research on driving abilities, particularly in conditionally automated vehicles (CAVs), remains limited. We evaluated the cognitive and driving performances of individuals with a history of concussion in CAVs using a fixed-base driving simulator. Fourteen healthy and 14 concussed participants performed multiple takeover tasks across repeated trials while engaged in a nondriving-related task. Cognitive states, such as mental workload (MWL) and situational awareness (SA), were assessed using the NASA task load index, the SA rating technique and the situation present assessment method, while driving performance metrics included takeover time and success rates. Results indicated no significant differences between the groups’ overall MWL, SA and driving performance. However, analysis of learning effects across multiple takeovers and trials revealed that the healthy group showed significantly more improvements in SA than the concussed group. These findings suggest that while individuals with a history of concussion may not experience significant impairments in specific driving tasks or overall SA and MWL, subtle differences may persist in their ability to learn, access and process information, potentially affecting decision-making and safety. Overall, this study underscores the need for further investigations into the effects of concussion on driving CAVs and development of tailored support systems for affected individuals.