Complexity of external distractors from small unmanned aircraft systems

Abstract

The integration of small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) into the transportation system has presented a unique opportunity to investigate the effects these operations will have on other areas of the system. Specifically, as a potential distraction to terrestrial vehicle operators. The current study investigated the potential of sUAS operations as a perturbation variable on the human attention system. Using methods from a dynamical system perspective evaluation of the potential in the increased complexity sUAS operations might introduce as an external distraction to drivers. The primary measure of this within-subjects research is saccade speeds over time, analyzed with time series analysis. Other metrics recorded included fixation duration, and lane deviations. A majority of participants did not glance at the sUAS longer than two seconds and fixation durations were reduced as a function of altitude. Some of the participants did display increased complexity of saccade movements during encounters with sUAS; however, the majority did not display increased complexity. Participants did not significantly deviate in the driving lanes when encountering a sUAS operation. The findings outlined in the current study suggest that commercial sUAS operations near or over roadways will cause no more risk of distraction than current external distractors present while driving.