This study investigates the impact of initial contact of drivers with an SAE Level 3 Automated Driving System (ADS) under real traffic conditions, focusing on the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot in the EQS. It examines Acceptance, Trust, Usability, and User Experience. Although previous studies in simulated environments provided insights into human-automation interaction, real-world experiences can differ significantly. The research was conducted on a segment of German interstate with 30 participants lacking familiarity with Level 3 ADS. Pre- and post-driving questionnaires were used to assess changes in acceptance and confidence. Supplementary metrics included post-driving ratings for usability and user experience. Findings reveal a significant increase in acceptance and trust following the first contact, confirming results from prior simulator studies. Factors such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Condition, Self-Efficacy, and Behavioral Intention to use the vehicle were rated higher after initial contact with the ADS. However, inadequate communication from the ADS to the human driver was detected, highlighting the need for improved communication to prevent misuse or confusion about the operating mode. Contrary to prior research, we found no significant impact of general attitudes towards technological innovation on acceptance and trust. However, it's worth noting that most participants already had a high affinity for technology. Although overall reception was positive and showed an upward trend post first contact, the ADS was also perceived as demanding as manual driving. Future research should focus on a more diverse participant sample and include longer or multiple real-traffic trips to understand behavioral adaptations over time.

翻译：本研究探讨了驾驶员在真实交通条件下首次接触SAE L3级自动驾驶系统（ADS）的影响，研究对象为梅赛德斯-奔驰EQS车型中的Drive Pilot系统。研究考察了接受度、信任度、可用性及用户体验。尽管此前模拟环境中的研究为人类与自动化交互提供了见解，但真实世界的体验可能存在显著差异。实验在德国州际公路某路段进行，共招募30名对L3级ADS不熟悉的参与者。通过驾驶前与驾驶后的问卷评估接受度与信心的变化，并辅以驾驶后的可用性与用户体验评分作为补充指标。结果显示，首次接触后，参与者的接受度与信任度显著提升，验证了先前模拟研究的结论。在性能期望、努力期望、便利条件、自我效能及使用车辆的行为意图等维度上，参与者在首次接触ADS后评分均有所提高。然而，ADS向人类驾驶员的沟通存在不足，凸显了需改进通信机制以防止对运行模式的误用或混淆。与先前研究相反，我们未发现对技术创新的总体态度显著影响接受度与信任度，但需注意多数参与者已具备较高的技术亲和力。尽管整体反馈积极且呈上升趋势，但参与者认为ADS驾驶与手动驾驶同样要求较高专注力。未来研究应关注更多样化的参与者样本，并包含更长时间或多次的真实交通行程，以理解行为适应随时间的变化。