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LOS ANGELES (AP) — New cars that can steer and brake themselves may lull drivers into a false sense of security — and even to sleep. One way to keep people alert may be providing distractions that are now illegal.
That was one surprising finding from Stanford University research that studied the behavior of students in a self-driving car simulator.
Thirteen of the 48 participants tasked with monitoring the car nodded off. But only three became drowsy when told to read or watch a movie.
With the newest models able to keep their lane and a safe distance from other traffic, the car-to-driver handoff is an urgent issue as automakers push for more automation.
For now, there's no consensus on the safest way to alert off-duty drivers that their robo-chauffer needs help.
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