Distractions can significantly delay the response time of remote drivers operating automated vehicles, with new research indicating that it can take over five seconds longer to react.
Research has revealed that distractions can slow the reaction time of remote drivers of automated vehicles by more than five seconds.
Level 4 automated vehicles can be remotely operated by specially trained drivers using a teleoperation workstation. A study led by Newcastle University explored how these remote drivers engage with self-driving cars in real-world situations, paying particular attention to how distractions and disengagement affect their performance.
The researchers discovered that remote drivers exhibited a significant reaction time delay—averaging 5.3 seconds—when distracted by a reading task. This delay occurs when the autonomous vehicle requires the driver to intervene, creating notable safety concerns.
Published in the journal Electronics, the study also found that disengagement led to an average delay of 4.2 seconds in decision-making for remote drivers when they needed to make critical strategic choices.
Significant Safety Risks
The Level 4 automated vehicles studied can automatically activate fail-safe and fail-operational protocols. One key strategy for ensuring safety in these vehicles is the remote driving system, where the vehicle can be controlled from a distance by a trained operator.
The research highlights that distractions and multitasking notably increase response delays and hinder decision-making capabilities for remote drivers, potentially jeopardizing safety.
Dr. Shuo Li, Senior Research Associate at Newcastle University’s School of Engineering and the study’s lead author, stated: “The prolonged readiness time among remote drivers who are mentally ‘disengaged’ emphasizes the dangers of distraction and lack of situational awareness, which can critically affect their ability to regain control of the vehicle when immediate action is needed.”
“This emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a certain degree of cognitive readiness for remote drivers, even when they are not actively controlling the vehicle. Such delays could be hazardous in real-world situations where making timely decisions is crucial for risk management and ensuring efficient vehicle operation.”
“In urgent situations that demand quick intervention, even slight delays can lead to grave safety issues. For the vehicle automation industry, this emphasizes the importance of seeking solutions and developing systems to reduce remote driver distractions and manage their cognitive load. It also highlights the need for enhanced human-machine interfaces and driver warning systems to help remote drivers maintain optimal workload and be alert, allowing them to respond swiftly and effectively.”
About Project V-CAL
This study concentrated on Level 4 automated vehicles utilizing advanced 5G technology, which were developed by a UK company specializing in vehicle automation. The vehicles were adapted from existing Terberg electric tractor units. The researchers aimed to evaluate and showcase the operational capabilities of a 5G-enabled autonomous delivery system in real-world conditions, particularly focusing on using a 40-tonne truck for autonomous goods delivery in North East England. The system included a modified Terberg electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) alongside a 5G-enabled teleoperation station.
The research is part of Project V-CAL, led by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), which will deploy up to four zero-emission autonomous HGVs between the Vantec and Nissan Sunderland sites on private roads, where these vehicles will navigate traffic signals, roundabouts, and interact with other road users. This marks a significant advancement in the technology’s potential use on public roads.
This project is conducted in partnership with Newcastle University, Vantec, NEAA, StreetDrone (now part of Oxa), Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK), BP International, Nokia, ANGOKA, and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. It has received £4 million in funding from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, which was matched by industry contributions, totaling £8 million.
The HGVs will operate without personnel onboard but will have a remote safety driver monitoring the situation as a precaution.
Professor Phil Blythe CBE, a co-author and head of the Future Mobility Group at Newcastle University, remarked: “We are thrilled to be part of the V-CAL project, which has innovated a driverless tractor unit for logistics operations. Currently, a remote driver is expected to oversee multiple driverless freight vehicles.”
“This research begins to quantify the performance of remote drivers and illustrates its implications for the safety of driverless vehicles, which will rely on such oversight. It also highlights the potential for cost reduction—supported by real-world data and observations. The developments occurring in the North East due to various Innovate UK automation projects significantly position the area as a key hub for innovation in vehicle automation and connected mobility.”
Martin Kendall, Managing Director of Vantec Europe, stated: “Vantec participated in the initial proof-of-concept trials for autonomous logistics that led to V-CAL. We strongly believe that these early-stage innovative transport solutions will not only support the HGV sector in the UK but also globally.”
“This study is one of the first to evaluate the behavior of remote drivers when teleoperating automated vehicles. The results provide practical insights for creating training programs, advancing technology, and refining operational protocols for remote driving of automated vehicles.”
This research marks one of the initial assessments of remote drivers’ behavior while they teleoperate automated vehicles, offering valuable recommendations for training, technological advancement, and enhancing operational processes for remote driving.
