Drivers more likely to be distracted while using partial automation tech: Study

Drivers are more likely to engage in activities such as checking their phones when using partial automation systems, new research showed.

Drivers are more likely to engage in non-driving activities such as checking their phones when using partial automation systems, new research showed on Tuesday.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted month-long studies in the U.S. with two such systems - Tesla's Autopilot and Volvo's Pilot Assist - to examine driver behaviour when the technology was in use.

Major automakers are in a race to deploy technology that partially automates routine driving tasks to make it easier and safer for drivers, and generate revenue. The rush has sparked concerns around the dangers of driver distraction.

The studies show better safeguards are needed, IIHS said in the report.

Partial automation - a level of "advanced driver assistance systems" - uses cameras, sensors and software to regulate the speed of the car and keep it in the centre of the lane. Some enable lane changing automatically or when prompted.

Drivers, however, are required to continuously monitor the road and be ready to take over at any time, with most systems needing them to keep their hands on the wheel.

The study with Tesla's Autopilot used 14 people who drove over 12,000 miles (19,300 km) with the system, triggering 3,858 attention-related warnings. On average, drivers responded in about three seconds, usually by nudging the steering wheel, mostly preventing an escalation.