Driver Assistance System to Encourage Appropriate Longitudinal Behavior Considering Pre-preceding Vehicle Information

Abstract

This study proposes a driver assistance system that provides an appropriate pedal operation by considering information on the pre-preceding vehicle. The system calculates the risk of collision by taking into account not only the preceding vehicle, but also the pre-preceding vehicle ahead of the preceding car. The computed numerical risk is then translated into the visual interface that assists the driver to make an appropriate acceleration and deceleration in carfollowing. Several participants who participated in driving simulator experiments were instructed to follow a preceding as well as a visible pre-preceding vehicles with and without the driver assistance system. It was found that the assistance system succeeded in reducing the relative velocity with the pre-preceding vehicle and in eliminating the unnecessary acceleration and deceleration of the following vehicle. Safety and fuel economy were also significantly improved by introducing the proposed system.