Technological innovation in the automation of vehicles is progressing faster than standards or regulatory bodies can keep up with. The overall market share for automated vehicles is expected to increase to approximately 40% of vehicle travel by 2040. However, automated driving is fundamentally different to manual driving. The driver must be prepared to take over control of the vehicle whenever necessary. This shifts the driver’s role from being actively engaged in the driving task to that of a passive supervisor of the system. Studies on cognitive workload and performance show how humans who are overburdened tend to hurry their performance; commit more errors and become frustrated and fatigued. However, humans who are underworked can exhibit many of the same symptoms. This presentation discusses the implications of automated driving on human performance and considers possible countermeasures.
You may also be interested in:

Occupational hygiene: The missing piece of the puzzle
We’re always looking for ways to keep everyone safe from harm at work. In this session, Claire Forshaw discusses situations where occupational hygiene can be used for rail projects, its benefits, and some real-world examples.

BROS: Building relationships on site
2023's Wellbeing Hero Award winner, Vikky Goodwin, takes you through the mental health initiative she set up to help frontline employees proactively engage with mental health conversations. The scheme encourages employees to react to situations at work in the same way they would in normal life, substituting work behaviours for personal behaviours and treating colleagues how they would family and friends. Learn practical and effective strategies so you can try them in your organisation.

Health and wellbeing data dashboard
Research analysts and health & wellbeing specialists showcase the new dashboard designed to help the rail industry and rail organisations to measure employee wellbeing – with data insights and discussion.