Evaluation of Ambient Light Displays for Requests to Intervene and Minimal Risk Maneuvers in Highly Automated Urban Driving

Driver take-overs at system limits and the corresponding requests to intervene are not obligatory in highly automated driving. Therefore, minimal risk maneuvers may occur. In order to clearly communicate the automation status and the driver’s task at such system limits, ambient light displays seem to have a high potential. Therefore, two ambient light displays were investigated in a driving simulation experiment, mounted either at the bottom of the windshield or on the steering wheel. Forty participants experienced two request to intervene scenarios, and two minimal risk maneuver scenarios during a highly automated drive. In general, both ambient light displays seem to ensure correct driver’s reactions and safety, and lead to positive subjective ratings. Results revealed no significant differences between the two ambient light display positions regarding the take-over behavior, gaze behavior and subjective rating, except in terms of the perceived brightness.