Abstract

 Objective: The purpose of this study was to present a methodology that utilizes naturalistic driving data to measure the driver response to an unanticipated driving scenario, a cross-centerline event.

Methods: Forward-facing video from naturalistic driving was used to determine when the cross-centerline event occurred. Then, the recorded acceleration and yaw rate data were used to identify the start of braking and steering evasive actions, respectively. A deceleration threshold of -0.1 g was defined as the braking onset, and a yaw rate of 2 deg/s was defined as the steering onset. Perception-response times (PRTs) were derived using these inputs.

Results: 17 cross-centerline events were identified from the naturalistic driving database. The drivers in all analyzed events applied the brakes, and 11 of the 17 drivers performed a steering maneuver. However, the average steering PRT (0.39 s) was faster than the average braking PRT (0.84 s).

Conclusions: Based naturalistic data from cross-centerline encroachment scenarios, the average driver steering PRT was faster than the average driver braking PRT. Both the driver’s median braking and steering PRT was faster in these real-world scenarios than in similar test track or simulator studies. Future analyses should investigate which action is attempted first and the effect of time to contact on driver response. 

Full Text

Riexinger LE, Fortenbaugh DM, "A Methodology for Assessing Driver Perception-Response Time during Unanticipated Cross-Centerline Events." Short Communication at AAAM Annual Conference. 2021. Remote.

Acknowledgements

This study was completed in collaboration with David Fortenbaugh from Engineering Systems Inc. We would like to thank Dr. Mitch Garber and Dr. Clay Gabler for their advice on this study.