Analytical Evaluation of Warning Onset Rules for Lane Change Crash Avoidance Systems

Abstract

This study assessed the potential effectiveness of two warning onset rules for lane change Crash Avoidance Systems (CAS). A minimum-separation rule triggers a driver warning whenever the Subject Vehicle (SV) and Principal Other Vehicle (POV) are within some minimum lateral separation distance. A turn-signal onset rule triggers a driver warning when the driver activates the turn signal indicator and there is a vehicle in the blind spot. A software program to simulate lane change crashes determined the maximum time available for driver surprise reaction time to the warning and estimated the proportion of crashes avoided with each warning rule. Results indicate that the minimum separation rule is unlikely to be effective for lane change crash avoidance but may help prevent lane-drift-related crashes. The turn-signal onset rule will likely be effective for drivers who use their turn signals but is not free of nuisance alarm problems. Recommendations for lane change CAS research and development are provided.