Study of Road Accidents by Analysis of Effects of Driving Parameters On Stopping Distance Using the Experimental Design Method and Driving Simulator

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the key factors contributing to road accidents and their interplay. A significant proportion of road accidents can be attributed to non-compliance with speed regulations, in conjunction with vehicle braking components (such as grip, road conditions, ..), as well as weather conditions. We conducted a speed measurement campaign on peri-urban roads in multiple Algerian cities to examine driving behavior and adherence to speed limits. To comprehensively understand the impact of speed, anti-lock systems, weather conditions, grip, and their interactions on a vehicle's braking distance, we employed an experimental design methodology. This approach was complemented with driving simulator tests. We expanded the experimental design to cover a range of speed variations, from 70 to 130 km/h, enabling us to explore the influence of various driving parameters on braking distance. Through statistical analysis of influence coefficients from 16 driving simulator tests, we established a model that represents the relationship between "objective functions" and "influence factors." This mathematical model was validated using simulator results. Our study revealed that braking distance is primarily affected by speed and weather conditions. Notably, the analysis of the road speed measurement campaign demonstrated that 55% of road users fail to adhere to speed limits.