Raymond J Kiefer1, Carol A Flannagan, Christian J Jerome. 1. General Motors Structure and Safety Integration Center, 30200 Mound Rd., Mail Code 480-111-E18, Warren, MI 48090-9010, USA. raymond.j.kiefer@gm.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined perceived time to collision (TTC) with automobile drivers under realistic approach, rear-end crash scenario conditions. BACKGROUND: TTC refers to the time before impact if prevailing conditions continue. METHOD: In this test track study involving 51 drivers ranging from 20 to 70 years old, the driver's vision was occluded at either 3.6 or 5.6 s TTC during an in-lane approach to a lead vehicle. Drivers provided TTC estimates by pressing a button the instant they felt that they would have collided with the vehicle ahead. RESULTS: Results indicated that TTC was consistently underestimated. The TTC ratio (perceived TTC/actual TTC) increased as driver speed decreased and as relative speed increased. These ratios were largely unaffected by age, gender, actual TTC, viewing time (1 s vs. continuous), and the presence of an eyes-forward, mental addition distraction task. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that under these low TTC conditions drivers estimate TTC in a relatively uniform fashion and that they are capable of providing this estimate based on a brief glimpse to the vehicle ahead. APPLICATION: These results are being used to develop an alert timing approach for a forward collision warning system intended to assist drivers in avoiding rear-end crashes with the vehicle ahead.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined perceived time to collision (TTC) with automobile drivers under realistic approach, rear-end crash scenario conditions. BACKGROUND: TTC refers to the time before impact if prevailing conditions continue. METHOD: In this test track study involving 51 drivers ranging from 20 to 70 years old, the driver's vision was occluded at either 3.6 or 5.6 s TTC during an in-lane approach to a lead vehicle. Drivers provided TTC estimates by pressing a button the instant they felt that they would have collided with the vehicle ahead. RESULTS: Results indicated that TTC was consistently underestimated. The TTC ratio (perceived TTC/actual TTC) increased as driver speed decreased and as relative speed increased. These ratios were largely unaffected by age, gender, actual TTC, viewing time (1 s vs. continuous), and the presence of an eyes-forward, mental addition distraction task. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that under these low TTC conditions drivers estimate TTC in a relatively uniform fashion and that they are capable of providing this estimate based on a brief glimpse to the vehicle ahead. APPLICATION: These results are being used to develop an alert timing approach for a forward collision warning system intended to assist drivers in avoiding rear-end crashes with the vehicle ahead.
Authors: Gheorghe-Daniel Voinea; Cristian Cezar Postelnicu; Mihai Duguleana; Gheorghe-Leonte Mogan; Radu Socianu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-28 Impact factor: 3.390