How difficult is it perceived to takeover in a level 3 automated vehicle? Investigation of the ease of use according to task and situational factors.

One goal of automated driving is to mitigate risks by minimising human intervention. However, widespread acceptance of automated vehicles hinges on their perceived ease of use, particularly during takeover scenarios. This online survey investigates the perceived difficulty of takeover in Level 3 Automated Vehicles, focusing on factors influencing takeover performance such as duration of automated mode and traffic density, as well as Non-Driving-Related Tasks like listening to music or engaging in conversation. Using Anderson's experimental protocol based on Integrated Information Theory, 235 drivers aged 18-72 rated takeover difficulty across 32 realistic scenarios varying in these factors. Results indicate significant impacts of all factors on takeover perception, identifying three distinct driver profiles: takeover averse, adaptive, and confident. Findings underscore implications for vehicle acceptance and risk management in automated driving.