You've probably heard about Google's self-driving car, and have heard rumblings that cars that operate on their own could be available in larger numbers soon. Well, General Motors feels that self-driving cars could be available in just a few years and has been conducting research to determine how the driver's behavior would change in what it describes as "self-steering, semi-autonomous" vehicles. It conducted tests on the driver's visual attention when required to steer as well as with automated steering, both with the full-speed range adaptive cruise control system engaged, such as is on the 2013 Cadillac XTS and ATS. It found that driver monitoring and assistance systems, such as GM's Forward Collision Alert, increased the driver's focus on the road by 126 percent when automated steering was in operation.

“People have dreamed of having self-driving cars for decades, but having that capability will be a major adjustment for people when it is first introduced,” said John Capp, GM director of Global Active Safety Electronics and Innovation. “This study is helping GM and its research partners determine the best methods for keeping drivers engaged.”

GM has plans to continue its study as one way to help it identify technologies that will allow drivers to take advantage of self-driving technologies when necessary and safe, such as during long drives, while still helping them be alert to their surroundings.