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Agency Information Collection Activities; Approval of a New Information Collection Request: Human Factors Considerations in Commercial Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Publication: Federal Register Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Byline: Thomas P. Keane Date: 21 April 2023 Subject: American Government  , Autonomous Vehicles
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 77 (Friday, April 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24652-24655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08500]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2022-0174]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Approval of a New
Information Collection Request: Human Factors Considerations in
Commercial Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems and Advanced Driver
Assistance Systems
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA
announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR)
described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review
and approval. This notice invites comments on a proposed information
collection titled Human Factors Considerations in Commercial Motor
Vehicle Automated Driving Systems and Advanced Driver Assistance
Systems. It is a driving simulator study with a series of
questionnaires that will evaluate how commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
drivers engage in CMVs equipped with SAE International Level 2 (L2)
advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and Level 3 (L3) automated
driving systems (ADS). Approximately 100 CMV drivers will participate
in the study. The study will examine the effect of non-driving
secondary task engagement, transfer of control, and training on driver
behavior in CMVs equipped with ADAS and ADS.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be received on or before May 22,
2023.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this information
collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for
Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa Hallquist, Office of Research
and Registration, DOT, FMCSA, West Building 6th Floor, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001; 202-366-1064;
theresa.hallquist@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Human Factors in CMVs Equipped with ADS and ADAS.
OMB Control Number: 2126-00XX.
Type of Request: New ICR.
Respondents: Commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.
Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours.
Expiration Date: This is a new ICR.
Frequency of Response: Two responses.
Estimated Total Annual Burden: 476 hours.
Background
Higher levels of ADAS and lower levels of ADS present an
environment that is ripe for overreliance. An L2 vehicle offers
longitudinal and lateral support to the driver; however, the driver is
still responsible for driving at all times. An L2 vehicle is an example
of higher levels of ADAS. At this level, engaging in non-driving
secondary tasks can be highly detrimental to driving performance as the
driver may not recognize and respond to hazards timely or
appropriately. In an L3 vehicle, the role of distraction is blurred. L3
is the lowest level considered to be ADS. The driver takes on a more
supervisory role and is in full control of the vehicle in a limited
number of situations. When an L3 vehicle alerts the driver that a
takeover is required, the driver needs to have situational awareness to
resume full control of the vehicle. Engagement in non-driving secondary
tasks may prevent the driver from maintaining situational awareness of
the driving environment.
A recently completed study by FMCSA on research involving ADSs in
CMVs found a lack of research related to ADS-equipped CMVs. To date,
most commercial ADSs on U.S. roadways are in passenger vehicles, and
CMV ADSs have only recently begun being implemented in real-world
operations. Therefore, FMCSA needs more data on ADS-equipped CMVs to
understand driver behavior and policy implications.
The purpose for obtaining data in this study is to evaluate driver
readiness to assume control in SAE L2 ADAS and L3 ADS-equipped CMVs and
develop and test a CMV driver distraction training program designed to
improve driver readiness. Specifically, there are three
[[Page 24653]]
primary objectives for the data collection:
(1) determine the effect of distraction on CMV drivers of L2
vehicles;
(2) determine the effect of transfer of control on CMV drivers in
L3 vehicles; and
(3) develop and evaluate a training program that is designed to
decrease the levels of distraction that were identified in CMV drivers
in L2 vehicles and designed to improve the problems with the transfer
of control that were identified in L3 vehicles.
Answers to these research questions will provide insight into the
human factors associated with semi-automated CMVs. Moreover, these
findings will inform training materials to educate drivers on
distraction and the functionality of ADAS and ADS as well as policy
pertaining to the implications of ADASs and ADSs in CMVs.
The study includes data collection from a series of questionnaires
and a driving simulator-focused experiment. The collected survey data
will support the simulator experiment data. The survey data will be
used in two ways: in the assessment of driving performance data as
covariates in the model (to control for certain demographic variables,
such as age, gender, and experience) and to answer a research question
on the relationship between driver characteristics and driver readiness
and performance. Data on driver readiness and performance will be
collected from the simulator experiment. Eligible drivers will hold a
valid commercial driver's license, currently drive a CMV, be 21 years
of age or older, and pass the motion sickness history screening
questionnaire.
Data will be collected over two study sessions. The first study
session will collect data on the effects of non-driving secondary tasks
and readiness to resume control of an L2- or L3-equipped CMV. The
second study session will assess the effectiveness of driver training
to improve safety while operating an L2 or L3 CMV. Questionnaire data
will be collected prior to the simulator study, during the simulator
study, and after the simulator study. In addition, participants will
complete questionnaires about the training in the second study session.
All questionnaires will be preloaded in an app format for drivers to
complete on a tablet.
We anticipate 100 participants in total for the driving simulator
study. Fifty drivers will participate in the L2 study sessions, and the
other 50 drivers will participate in the L3 study sessions. During
consent, each participant will agree to participate in both the L2/L3
simulator study session and the training study session. For a
participant who chooses not to continue, a new driver will be recruited
to fill their position. These new participants will not have data from
the L2/L3 study but will need to complete a new consent form, pre-/
post-study questionnaires, and the training questionnaire. Each study
session will be completed in 4 hours, resulting in a total of up to 8
hours of participation for drivers that complete both study sessions.
Multiple analyses will be used, including an assessment of driver
distraction and its effects on driver readiness and driving
performance. In the L2 and L3 studies, general linear mixed models
(GLMMs) will be used to answer the research questions. In the
transportation safety field, GLMMs are often used to analyze driver
behavior and assess relationships between driving scenarios and
behaviors. To evaluate the effectiveness of the training program,
linear mixed models will be used with random intercepts. Driver random
intercepts will account for participants' correlated behaviors and
expectations in the L2 or L3 system before and after training.
FMCSA published the 60-day Federal Register notice on September 21,
2022, and the comment period closed on November 21, 2022 (87 FR 57748).
A total of 93 comments were received from the public. These comments
revolved around nine issues: general safety concerns with CMVADS,
concern for job loss due to ADS-equipped CMVs, concerns related to the
operation of ADS within specific operational design domains, concerns
with specific ADS and/or ADAS, the failure of ADS sensors, the security
of ADS-equipped CMVs, driver inattention/distraction when operating an
ADS, data collection efforts, and support for the study. Responses to
these issues are below. Many comments touched on multiple issues;
however, the comments below are organized based on the primary feedback
provided.
General Safety Concerns With ADS-Equipped CMVS
Fifty percent of the comments received expressed general safety
concerns related to ADS-equipped CMVs. FMCSA is actively engaged in
many research and administrative activities to help improve the safety
of CMV drivers and the general public, including research on ADS. There
are many research questions that need to be answered before ADS-
equipped CMVs are deployed at scale. Some of these research questions
are focused on the ADS technology itself to ensure that the ADS
technology functions as intended and incorporates the appropriate
redundant failsafe systems. However, other research questions are
focused on the human factors related to how individuals within the CMV
industry will interact with ADS-equipped CMVs.
Crashes involving ADAS illustrate why research focused on human
factors is critical prior to full-scale deployment of ADS. Many of the
incidents involve a mismatch between driver expectations of the
technology and the driver's true role and responsibility to monitor
vehicle features. This study is focused on L2 and L3-equipped CMVs. The
systems included in this study would require a driver inside the
vehicle who is ready to resume control of the vehicle when needed or
requested (e.g., during icy conditions).
Results from this study will be used to develop and evaluate a
training program designed to improve drivers' understanding and
expectation of ADS. This training program will also attempt to improve
drivers' attention maintenance and hazard anticipation while operating
L2 and L3 vehicles. Although FMCSA believes this is a critical research
study to understand how driver inattention may affect performance of L2
and L3 CMVs, it is only one research study of many that are needed to
ensure the safety of drivers on the roadways.
Concerns for Loss of Jobs Due to ADS-Equipped CMVS
Ten comments from the public focused on the potential loss of jobs
as a result of ADS-equipped CMVs. The trucking industry employs
millions of individuals in the U.S. who are vital to the U.S. economy.
Additionally, there are millions of other individuals who work in roles
that support the transportation industry (e.g., gas stations, truck
stops, maintenance facilities, etc.). Better pay for drivers, effective
training, safe equipment, and improved quality of life for drivers are
important factors for retaining safe drivers within the industry.
ADAS and ADS offer possible solutions that help drivers maintain a
better quality of life. For example, they may offer improved health
through crash reduction and allow more home time through more regional
operations for drivers who so desire. As mentioned above, this study is
focused on L2 and L3 ADS-equipped CMVs. Both systems under
investigation in this study would require a driver to be in the truck
at all times and ready to resume control of the vehicle when requested.
Thus, the technologies investigated in this study would not result in
driver job loss.
[[Page 24654]]
Concerns for ADS in Specific Operational Domains
Seven comments provided by the public focused on concerns related
to ADS-equipped CMVs operating outside of their intended operational
design domain. Each ADS is designed to operate within specific
conditions. These conditions provide parameters for the safe operation
of ADS on the road. Before widespread deployment of ADS, more
development, testing, and verification of ADS-equipped CMVs is needed
to understand safe parameters and before they can operate in all
conditions or anticipate and respond to all possible infrequent events.
As mentioned above, the safety technologies being investigated
require a driver inside the vehicle at all times who could assume
control of the CMV if conditions dictate. Drivers operating an L2 or
L3-equipped CMV must be ready to assume control in these situations.
These situations demonstrate why it is important to research driver
inattention and vigilance of the driver when operating L2 and L3
vehicles. This research will provide information to ensure drivers are
capable and safe to assume control of the CMV when needed through the
development and evaluation of a training program to educate drivers on
ADS capabilities and highlight the importance of maintaining attention
while operating L2 and L3 vehicles.
Concerns With Specific ADAS/ADS
Six comments expressed concerns related to a specific advanced
driver assistance feature or a particular ADS. These comments
illustrate how additional research and development are needed for many
of the features that will support ADS in CMVs. Although the technology
to support ADS (i.e., automatic emergency braking) has improved, there
are still areas in need of improvement prior to the deployment of ADS-
equipped CMVs. One of the objectives of this study is to better
understand the effect of driver inattention while operating a CMV
equipped with these support technologies. Ensuring drivers of L2
vehicles maintain attention to the road is important so that the
drivers can anticipate hazards and potential scenarios where the L2
features may not operate as intended. Similarly, research to study
inattention while operating an L3 vehicle is needed to determine what
training and education will help drivers prepare to resume control when
requested. This research, conducted in a simulator, will help the
industry better understand how drivers of L2 and L3 vehicles can be
prepared to take over control when necessary to ensure the safe
operation of the CMV and the safety of the general public.
Concerns Related to Sensor Failure
Twelve comments primarily discussed concerns related to the failure
of ADS sensors. Drivers' concerns related to the importance of properly
maintained and functioning sensors are valid. Sensors do fail and/or
become dirty if covered in debris, making them inoperable. It is
critical for ADS to have redundant sensors or a backup alternative
sensor system in case of failure. Research on the functionality of the
technologies and sensors is ongoing. However, human factors-focused
research is also necessary to ensure the safety of L2 and L3 vehicles.
The technologies researched in this study require a driver to be in the
vehicle and ready to take over control when needed or alerted. This
study will examine how driver inattention affects a driver's ability to
successfully respond to or anticipate hazards or scenarios that may
require human control of the vehicle. This research is critical to help
in-vehicle drivers be prepared when a sensor does fail or if the
technology does not anticipate a hazard appropriately.
Concerns Related to the Security of ADS
Two comments focused on securing ADS against threats. The security
of ADS-equipped CMVs is of incredible importance. Research and efforts
related to the security of the vehicles is needed. However, this is a
separate area of research and development and should not detract from
the importance of human-factors research. As mentioned above, the
purpose of this study is to ensure in-vehicle drivers are capable and
ready to respond to unexpected hazards, scenarios, and requests to take
over control of the vehicle when needed.
Concerns That Inattention/Distraction Will Increase With ADAS and ADS
Five comments discussed concerns related to potential increases in
driver distraction, inattention, and reduced vigilance with the use of
crash mitigation technologies. There is a need for research focused on
driver inattention while operating CMVs equipped with ADAS and ADS.
More data are needed to understand the prevalence of inattention when
using, and drivers' overreliance on, crash mitigation technologies.
This study is designed to gather data on these concerns in a safe
environment without putting the CMV driver and the general public at
risk. Results from this study will be used to develop training
materials and information that may reduce this risk.
Concerns With the Data Collection Efforts
One comment focused on this study's proposed data collection
methodology. As mentioned in the Federal Register notice, each study
session will last approximately 4 hours. Although driver fatigue is an
important area of research, this study is focused on driver
distraction. However, driver fatigue may be observed in the study and
will be identified and documented via eye tracking technologies.
Power analyses were performed to approximate the number of
participants needed to find statistically significant results (if
present). The sample included in this study was based on this power
analysis with additional participants to account for attrition.
However, the sample is a convenience sample, and there are no attempts
to say the sample is representative of the U.S. CMV industry.
Demographic information (e.g., gender, age, health, etc.) will be
collected and may be used to help control for potential confounding or
extraneous variables during the statistical analyses.
Support for the Study
Three comments provided support for the study and provided
additional insights based on recent investigations or research.
Additional comments expressed the importance of focusing research on
higher levels of ADS (i.e., L4 or L5). Although FMCSA agrees much more
research and data are needed on more advanced ADS, some original
equipment manufacturers and developers of L2 and L3 vehicles are
deploying vehicles with lower levels of driver assistance or
automation. For example, L2 CMVs are available for purchase now.
Research is needed to understand how inattention affects performance in
vehicles with these levels of ADS and to ensure the safety of the CMV
driver and the general public.
FMCSA agrees that distinguishing between features of L2 and L3
vehicles is important. This study focuses on both advanced driver
assistance features (via L2 vehicles) and the lowest level of ADS (via
L3 vehicles). Additional distinctions are provided in the supporting
documentation, and FMCSA will ensure that distinctions between
functionalities are included in the discussion of the results. To help
improve this clarity, FMCSA proposes
[[Page 24655]]
to revise the study title to include ADAS (in reference to the L2 sub
study).
Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of
this information collection, including: (1) whether the proposed
collection is necessary for the performance of FMCSA's functions; (2)
the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for FMCSA to enhance the
quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4)
ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of
the collected information.
Issued under the authority of 49 CFR 1.87.
Thomas P. Keane,
Associate Administrator, Office of Research and Registration.
[FR Doc. 2023-08500 Filed 4-20-23; 8:45 am]
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