In a world filled with constant distractions—from incessant notifications to social media scrolling—it’s easy to understand why many struggle to stay focused. While we could silence notifications or even disconnect from our devices, most of us choose not to. This behavior is reflected in a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The IIHS found that when drivers utilize advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), they tend to disengage from driving and become easily distracted. Regardless of whether the system is hands-on or hands-free, drivers often find themselves multitasking—checking their phones, eating, or grooming. For some, these actions are habitual or driven by a sense of restlessness.
Although ADAS is intended to promote safer driving, it can sometimes lead to complacency by alleviating certain visual or manual responsibilities. This reduction in engagement may result in boredom, prompting drivers to look for distractions. Moreover, some drivers intentionally manipulate the system by pretending to pay attention, attempting to keep ADAS functional while focusing on other tasks they prioritize over driving.
A month-long study conducted by the IIHS in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab revealed that Volvo drivers using the Pilot Assist feature were more inclined to multitask. Some exhibited distracting behaviors from the beginning, while others developed similar habits as they became more accustomed to the technology.
The findings were similar in a second study involving Tesla’s Autopilot system. Once drivers learned the timing of the system’s attention checks, they managed to reduce the frequency of alerts from Tesla. This tactic mirrors individuals who may feign participation in video calls or use programs to appear active while working remotely, despite being elsewhere.
“In both studies, we observed that drivers adapted their behaviors to include distractions,” noted David Harkey, president of IIHS. “This illustrates the need for stronger safeguards in partial automation systems to prevent misuse.”
Volunteers participated in both studies, with the IIHS providing the vehicles: a 2017 Volvo S90 sedan and a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The participants were not experienced with these vehicles prior to the study.
“These findings serve as a reminder of how people learn,” stated Harkey. “If you condition drivers to believe that paying attention involves merely nudging the steering wheel occasionally, that’s what they will do.”
Research indicates that distractions, drowsiness, and impaired driving all increase the likelihood of accidents. If drivers are not attentive and prepared to make critical decisions while driving, the risks escalate. The question arises: are we truly better off with these partially autonomous systems? Evidence suggests that we are not built to effectively multitask, no matter how much we might try.
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