Safety is a significant issue on highways, particularly in low-visibility conditions, e.g. snow, rain, dust, and fog. This paper presents development of a novel Advanced Collision Warning System (ACWS), which includes multiple-lane forward collision warning for low-visibility environments, along with interface to a visual display. Unique features of the ACWS include complete two-dimensional coverage of a full three lanes in front of the vehicle, integration of dual radar antennas to achieve this coverage, false warning suppression based on roadway curvature and vehicle yaw rate, and interface to a visual display. The ACWS is used in conjunction with Advanced Construction and Maintenance Systems (ACMS), Advanced Vehicle Control and Safety Systems (AVCSS), and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, and was implemented and tested in harsh winter conditions on a snowplow during Winter 1999-2000. This Advanced Snowplow (ASP) is the focus of an ongoing joint program between California and Arizona begun in 1998. ASP development is led by the Advanced Highway Maintenance & Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research centre at the University of California - Davis (UCD), in conjunction with several research partners. The ASP includes the ACWS, as well as lane position indication and lane departure warning. On-road testing occurred over Winter 1998-1999 and Winter 1999-2000 in both California and Arizona. This paper discusses the novel ACWS developed during Phase-II (ASP-II) in response to performance issues and needs raised during testing of the initial system.
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