Exploring the Impact of Driving Difficulties on Driver Acceptance of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

This study primarily aims to explore how driving difficulties influence drivers' acceptance of ADAS and conduct in-depth research on the factors influencing driving difficulties. By employing progressive analysis, key factors influencing drivers' acceptance of ADAS are identified. Firstly, the reliability and validity of the driving difficulty scale data are examined, and the results indicate that the validity of the difficulty related to route recognition and navigation is not satisfactory, leading to its exclusion. However, the remaining data exhibits good reliability and validity. Secondly, preliminary predictive analysis using neural networks confirms that driving difficulties do indeed have an impact on drivers' acceptance of ADAS. Subsequently, multiple linear regression analysis is conducted to examine the effects of various driving difficulties on drivers' intention to accept ADAS, taking into account different age categories. The results indicate that difficulties in judging distances, driving in adverse weather conditions, driving in complex traffic situations, visual impairment-induced driving difficulties, and memory decline-induced driving difficulties positively contribute to drivers' acceptance of ADAS. Moreover, the impact of driving difficulty variables differs between drivers aged 18-34 and those aged 50-59. For drivers aged 18-34, driving difficulty variables have a more direct influence on their perception of the usefulness and fulfillment of ADAS, while for drivers aged 50-59, driving difficulties primarily affect their concerns about their ability to use ADAS and the satisfaction derived from it. Lastly, a factorial analysis is conducted to explore the influencing factors of driving difficulties from the perspectives of functional decline and socio-economic attributes. The results reveal that visual impairment and insufficient reaction abilities are the most significant physical functional decline variables that contribute to drivers' sense of inadequacy during driving. Additionally, significant differences in driving difficulties are observed among different genders, driving distances, and age groups, with female drivers and novice drivers exhibiting significantly higher levels of driving difficulties compared to other driving populations.

These research findings have important implications considering the current usage status of ADAS. Understanding the factors influencing drivers' acceptance of ADAS, such as driving difficulties, can contribute to the development and improvement of ADAS systems. By considering specific age-related concerns and tailoring ADAS to address driving challenges across different age groups, the usability, effectiveness, and acceptance of ADAS can be enhanced. Moreover, taking into account the influence of gender, driving experience, and other demographic factors on driving difficulties, ADAS systems can be customized to better meet the needs and preferences of different driver groups. This research underscores the significance of considering individual differences and specific driving challenges in the design and implementation of ADAS technologies.