Effect of instructing system limitations on the intervening behavior of drivers in partial driving automation

Zhou, H. P.; Itoh, M.; Kitazaki, S. · 2019 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/s10111-019-00568-1

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Summary

This document is a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highway accident report investigating a fatal collision between a 2015 Tesla Model S 70D and a tractor-semitrailer truck near Williston, Florida, on May 7, 2016. The investigation was motivated by the crash’s involvement of automated vehicle control systems, specifically Tesla’s Autopilot suite, which included Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. The report aims to determine the probable cause of the accident and address broader safety issues regarding SAE International Level 2 vehicle automation, driver engagement monitoring, event data recorders, and connected vehicle technology. The NTSB conducted a comprehensive factual investigation, analyzing crash scene data, vehicle damage, driver information, and system performance data downloaded from the Tesla. The Tesla was traveling eastbound at 74 mph, exceeding the 65 mph speed limit, with Autopilot active. The truck was making a left turn across the eastbound lanes. The investigation examined the operational design domains of the automation, the driver’s behavior prior to the crash, and the limitations of the vehicle’s sensors and alerts. The Tesla’s forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not activate. The report also reviewed regulatory frameworks and manufacturer guidance regarding the use of Level 2 automation. The NTSB determined the probable cause of the crash was the truck driver’s failure to yield the right of way, combined with the Tesla driver’s inattention due to overreliance on vehicle automation. The driver had disengaged from the driving task for prolonged periods, using the automation in ways inconsistent with manufacturer warnings. System data indicated the driver had his hands off the steering wheel for significant durations despite alerts. The Tesla’s sensors failed to detect the white side of the trailer against a bright sky, and the system did not initiate braking. The crash resulted in the death of the Tesla driver, whose roof was sheared off by the trailer’s undercarriage. The report highlights critical safety implications for the deployment of partial driving automation. It concludes that current Level 2 systems permit dangerous driver disengagement and lack robust methods for monitoring driver attention. The NTSB issued safety recommendations to the US Department of Transportation, NHTSA, and vehicle manufacturers to improve operational design domains, implement surrogate means for determining driver engagement, enhance event data recorders for automated vehicles, and develop safety metrics. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulatory oversight and technological safeguards to prevent overreliance on automation in partial driving assistance systems.

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Topics

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• automation surprise
• hands on hands off engagement
• situational awareness
• driverless ads
• automation
• odd communication

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence
• Methodological Resource: dataset resource
• Theoretical Contribution: conceptual framework