Driver- and Situation-Specific Effects on Assistance Systems for Speed and Distance Control

Abstract

AICC (Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control) systems, as investigated in the European PROMETHEUS and DRIVE projects, should support the driver in longitudinal vehicle control. The presented study analyzed driver- and situation-specific effects, which have to be considered when developing or evaluating AICCs. The investigations focused on assistance systems, which inform or warn a driver in case of inadequate speed or distance. Messages to the driver are transferred either acoustically or visually or via active control devices, such as an “active gas-pedal”. Driving experiments were performed, whereby subjects' distance keeping behavior was monitored. As a first step before experimental evaluation, relevant traffic situations for AICC application were identified and classified. The results of the subsequent situation analysis reveal driver- and situation-specific characteristics. Typical effects are found in frequency and duration of various AICC situations, in distance distribution when following, and in minimum distance when approaching a preceding vehicle. From situation analysis, first consequences were derived showing off capabilities and limitations of AICC systems on principle and of an “active gas-pedal” in particular.