Abstract
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and operational impacts of an innovative infrastructure solution for safe and efficient integration of Automated Vehicle (AV) as an emerging technology into an existing transportation system. Filling the gap in the limited research on the effect of AV technology on infrastructure standards, this study investigates implications of adding a narrow reversible AV-exclusive lane to the existing configuration of I-15 expressway in San Diego, resulting in a 9 ft AV reversible lane and, in both directions, two 12-feet lanes for HOV and FasTrak vehicles. Given the difference between the operation of AVs and human-driven vehicles and reliance of AVs on sensors as opposed to human capabilities, the question is should we provide narrower AV-exclusive roadways assuming AVs are more precise in lateral and longitudinal lane keeping behaviour? To accomplish the goal of the project, a historical crash data analysis and a traffic simulation analysis were conducted. Crash data analysis revealed that unsafe speed, improper turning, and unsafe lane change are the most recurring primary collision factors on I-15 ELs. AVs’ automated longitudinal and lateral control systems could potentially reduce these types of collisions on an AV-exclusive lane with proper infrastructure features for AV sensor operation (e.g., distinct lane marking). Microsimulation findings indicated an AV-exclusive lane may increase traffic flow and density by up to 14% and 24%, respectively. It also showed that average speed is reduced. However, this could lead to the speed differential increase between the exclusive lane and adjacent lane requiring careful consideration if additional treatments or barriers are needed. The results of this study contribute to infrastructure adaptation to AV technology and future AV-exclusive lanes implementations.
Highlights
As the world finds itself at the beginning of the industrial revolution, automated vehicles (AV) are one of the key drivers. e number of AVs on the roads is increasing with more and more people embracing the new technology.e National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash statistics data in 2018 revealed that the critical causes of vehicle crashes were driver-related errors (94%), vehicle-related errors (2%), environment-related factors (2%), and other factors (2%) [1]
Ese factors could serve as the basis for future research into how these factors could be mitigated by AVs. e crash study points to key design specifications that need to be considered while designing the dedicated AV lane as it relates to safe operation of AVs
Investigation of Interstate 15 (I-15) Express Lanes Crash History. e I-15 ELs crash dataset contains a number of different violation categories referred to as primary collision factors (PCF) indicating the main reason for a crash (Figure 4(a))
Summary
E National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash statistics data in 2018 revealed that the critical causes of vehicle crashes were driver-related errors (94%), vehicle-related errors (2%), environment-related factors (2%), and other factors (2%) [1]. Vehicle-related errors include tires, brakes, steering, and engine errors, while environmental factors include slick roads, glare, view obstructions, signs and signals, and other weather-related factors. Safety and performance of AVs in real-world conditions need to be carefully evaluated. Safe deployment of AVs in real-world conditions requires modifications to the existing infrastructure. As today’s AVs are in the early stages of autonomy, constant interaction of AVs with conventional vehicles might result in safety issues and traffic disruptions. Introducing an AV-exclusive lane as an infrastructure modification is a Journal of Advanced Transportation practical solution to minimize interactions between AVs and conventional vehicles
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