Using Task Switching to Explain Effects of Non-Driving Related Activities on Takeover and Manual Driving Behavior Following Level 3 Automated Driving

Effects of non-driving related activities performed during Level 3 automated driving phases on following takeover behavior have been investigated in multiple studies. If studies refer to a theoretical basis, usually the task switching paradigm is referred to, while at the same time multiple task performance theories are applied to explain effects of previously performed non-driving related activities on following takeover behavior. In this article, we apply task switching theory to explain and predict non-driving related activities’ effects on takeover and following manual driving behavior. Additionally, we report experimental work in progress that investigates the theoretical basis in a real driving setting on a test track using a Wizard-of-Oz vehicle to simulate Level 3 driving automation in traffic jams on highways. We aim to contribute to differentiation approaches for non-driving related activities’ effects on takeover and following manual driving behavior. Furthermore, this study can provide insights into user behavior under real driving situations.