In an Australian first, 60 motorists taking part in a study conducted by QUT researchers will get the chance to drive and be driven by Australia's most advanced cooperative and automated car, known as ZOE2, around a test track.
The study is part of Department of Transport and Main Roads' (TMR) Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving Pilot, which is being delivered in partnership with QUT and iMOVE Australia to prepare for the arrival of Cooperative and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) on Australian roads.
The participants will attend a 1-hour session this month at the RACQ Mobility Centre of Excellence in Mt Cotton. They will spend up to 30 minutes in the driver's seat of ZOE2, sitting alongside an expert driver.
All participants will answer questions about their experience, and they will also be filmed during the test drive. These cameras will observe and record the participant's head position and line of sight during the drive.
Director of QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) Professor Andry Rakotonirainy said the objective of the trial is to investigate driver's behaviour while behind the wheel of an automated vehicle.
"This project will give us insights into how long it takes for an everyday driver to exercise appropriate control when the automated systems hand back control," Professor Rakotonirainy said.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he looked forward to the study results.
"The learnings will help us understand safety risks and the need for legislation. I thank the participants for their time to assist us," Mr Bailey said.
Ian Christensen, iMOVE Managing Director said: "As we move into an ever more automated future on our roads, it is crucial for us to understand the human – vehicle interactions to do it safely. By participating in this study, members of the community will be providing data that plays an important role in this understanding. It's also a cool experience to tell your friends about!"
