Self-driving cars might not be safe for everyone, study says
You might want to steer clear of self-driving vehicles if you have a history of head injuries, a new study warns. Hockey players who'd suffered repeated concussions were slower to respond when a self-driving car faced a complex traffic situation and needed them to take the wheel, researchers report in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention.
A new study warns that individuals with a history of head injuries may face challenges when operating self-driving cars, potentially increasing their risk of accidents. Researchers found that hockey players who had suffered multiple concussions were slower to take control of a self-driving vehicle during complex traffic scenarios, compared to non-contact-sport participants. This could indicate a higher risk of auto accidents with conditionally automated vehicles, which require human intervention in certain situations.
In the study, 17 ice hockey players with a history of head injuries and 17 non-contact-sport participants underwent a driving simulation. While there was no significant difference in cognitive test performance or reported stress between the two groups, the hockey players showed notable differences in their ability to take manual control of the vehicle.
They had an 81% success rate compared to 93% for the other group. Additionally, the hockey players spent less time successfully maintaining manual control and took longer to anticipate hazards.
Researchers suggest that self-driving vehicles need to incorporate better intervention systems to account for these differences in drivers' responsiveness. Driver training and license tests may also need to be adapted to ensure that individuals with varying cognitive abilities can properly take responsibility behind the wheel. As self-driving technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the unique needs of all drivers to ensure safety on the roads.
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