Engaging in Activities while in an Automated Car Increases the Willingness to Tolerate Longer Travel Times

Automated driving can enable drivers to engage in various recreational or productive activities while the car is driving in automated mode. The current study used survey data, where the respondents rated their intention to use conditionally automated (SAE level 3) passenger cars, what activities they would engage in during the automated mode, and how much additional travel time they might accept if the car could drive in an automated mode. Engaging in recreational activities was the strongest predictor of accepting additional travel time. Resting and relaxing did not influence the accepted extra travel times. Those who accepted the longest extra travel time also considered working in a car. The cost of travel time with automated cars is influenced by recreational activities. The ability to work is important for users, who are the willing to tolerate the longest additional travel times.