Promoting trust in HAVs of following manual drivers through implicit and explicit communication during minimal risk maneuvers

Abstract

The successful integration of highly automated vehicles (HAV) in future mixed traffic environments will depend, among other things, on their seamless, safe, and accepted interaction with other road users. Therefore, appropriate combination of light signals, as external human-machine interface (eHMI), and driving behavior, as dynamic human-machine interface (dHMI), is required consistently in order to develop trust of following manual drivers in HAVs. Especially, in borderline traffic scenarios where HAVs are confronted with challenges, such as loss of connectivity, so-called minimal risk maneuvers (MRMs) are performed abruptly. Here, understanding communication via eHMI and dHMI is crucial for road safety, as drivers need to prepare for maneuvers themselves. Therefore, two consecutive, explorative online video studies were conducted. Firstly, the appropriate braking dynamics for an MRM were evaluated. Secondly, insights into the eHMI communication strategy of an HAV during an MRM were gained. The overall aim of this work is to present strategies for implicit and explicit communication channels of an HAV in order to promote learned trust during MRMs from the perspective of drivers who follow them. The results show that adding novel eHMI designs (e.g., warning sign, 360° LED light-band) to conventional light signals positively affects the user experience in a first contact interaction. The findings could have a positive impact on the development of trust in HAVs. In conclusion, specific eHMI communication strategies can be highly supportive for following manual drivers in MRM scenarios, which may lead to legislative considerations in the future.