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Impact of cyber threat awareness on driver response to an unexpected vehicle cyberattack

Author

Listed:
  • Trevor F. Lanigan

    (Colorado State University)

  • Tyler Biggs

    (Colorado State University)

  • Erika E. Gallegos

    (Colorado State University)

  • Jeremy Daily

    (Colorado State University)

  • Emma J. Reid

    (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

  • Sarah Powers

    (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

Abstract

The integration of advanced cyber-physical systems in heavy vehicles introduces new vulnerabilities by expanding the possibility of cyberattacks. The objective of this study is to evaluate (1) how threat awareness influences driver response to an unexpected cyberattack, (2) how the provision of a basic cyberattack response protocol influences driver performance, and (3) how professionally trained versus standard drivers compare in their responses to a cyberattack. An on-road driving study (N = 50) was conducted using a medium heavy-duty vehicle. Participants were divided into three groups: Control, which remained unaware of any potential cyberattack; Aware, which was informed about the potential cyberattack; and Aware + Protocol, which received the same warning as the Aware group with the addition of a basic cyberattack response protocol. An instrument cluster cyberattack was executed at the same location for all participants. The findings highlight the essential role of awareness and response protocol in enhancing driver response to an unexpected vehicle cyberattack. The Aware + Protocol group had the highest stop rate (100%) and the shortest stopping distances (224 m for standard drivers and 254 m for professionals), compared to the Control group (828 and 520 m, respectively). Aware + Protocol also had the fastest reaction time, averaging 7.53 s, versus 16.12 s (Aware) and 30.29 s (Control). These results emphasize that awareness alone is insufficient. Providing drivers with clear, actionable protocols significantly improves their ability to react quickly and safely to cyberattacks, enhancing overall road safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Trevor F. Lanigan & Tyler Biggs & Erika E. Gallegos & Jeremy Daily & Emma J. Reid & Sarah Powers, 2025. "Impact of cyber threat awareness on driver response to an unexpected vehicle cyberattack," Journal of Transportation Security, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jtrsec:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12198-025-00303-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s12198-025-00303-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jingjing Xu & Behram Wali & Xiaobing Li & Jiaqi Yang, 2019. "Injury Severity and Contributing Driver Actions in Passenger Vehicle–Truck Collisions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Sunniva F. Meyer & Rune Elvik & Espen Johnsson, 2021. "Risk analysis for forecasting cyberattacks against connected and autonomous vehicles," Journal of Transportation Security, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 227-247, December.
    3. Shiva Pourfalatoun & Jubaer Ahmed & Erika E. Miller, 2023. "Shared Electric Scooter Users and Non-Users: Perceptions on Safety, Adoption and Risk," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, June.
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