Effects of alcohol on automated and controlled driving performances

Berthelon, Catherine; Gineyt, Guy · 2013 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3352-x

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Summary

This study investigates how blood alcohol concentration (BAC) affects driving performance, specifically distinguishing between automated processes (lateral and longitudinal vehicle control) and controlled processes (responses to specific events). While alcohol is a primary factor in fatal crashes, its precise mode of action varies by task complexity. The researchers aimed to determine whether automated or controlled driving parameters are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment. The experiment utilized a single-blind, counterbalanced crossover design with 16 experienced drivers (mean age 25.3 years). Participants underwent four sessions on a fixed-base driving simulator, each involving a different BAC level: 0 g/l (placebo), 0.3 g/l, 0.5 g/l, and 0.8 g/l. Three distinct scenarios were employed to assess different cognitive loads: a monotonous highway scenario for automated control, a car-following scenario requiring speed adjustments, and a complex urban scenario featuring seven events inspired by real accidents to test controlled responses. Key metrics included the standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), speed deviations, response times, and crash frequency. Results indicated that automated driving parameters were significantly impaired by alcohol, particularly at the highest dose (0.8 g/l). SDLP increased significantly in both highway and car-following scenarios, reflecting deteriorated lateral control. Speed regulation also suffered, evidenced by increased speed deviations and more frequent speed adjustments during stable periods in the car-following task. Conversely, controlled driving parameters were largely unaffected. Response times to unexpected obstacles in the highway and urban scenarios did not vary significantly with BAC. Although crash frequency in the urban scenario showed a non-significant increase with higher alcohol levels, this was largely driven by one participant’s extreme sensitivity. The study concludes that alcohol disproportionately impairs automated driving behaviors, such as lane keeping and speed maintenance, while leaving controlled, event-driven responses relatively intact. This suggests that simple, repetitive tasks are more vulnerable to alcohol-induced deficits than complex tasks requiring conscious attention and strategy. The findings imply that legal BAC limits should account for the degradation of basic vehicle control, which occurs even at lower doses, rather than focusing solely on reaction times in emergency situations. The authors note limitations regarding sample size and suggest future research on novice drivers, who may exhibit compounded risks from inexperience and alcohol.

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Topics

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• alcohol
• polydrug
• cannabis

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Theoretical Contribution: computational model