The mismatch between perceived situation awareness and hazard recognition in automated driving

This study tested whether drivers' hazard recognition and/or perceived situation awareness differed in traditional versus automated driving conditions. A total of 46 participants were assigned to either a non-automated ‘active’ driving condition of a simulated vehicle and were directly responsible for avoiding hazards or an automated 'passive' condition where they monitored for hazards and responded via a handheld button. Post-drive, participants completed a self-report measure of situation awareness. The results revealed a mismatch where participants in the automated condition reported greater situation awareness but demonstrated significantly slower hazard recognition, with this performance deficit consistent across both anticipation and surprise hazards. These findings suggest that automated driving may be associated with inaccurate mental models concerning the capabilities of automated vehicles. Therefore, human-centred strategies are required to ensure that drivers are fully cognisant of the capabilities of automated vehicles in recognising and responding to hazards.