This report concludes the second phase of the Dutch FOT examining the effects of lateral support systems [AVV, 2001]. This second phase examined the traffic effects of the Chauffeur Assistant (CA) Driver Assistance System. The research carried out to evaluate the traffic effects included a world-wide literature study, the (changes to) driver behaviour with CA assessed in the TNO Human Factors’ driving simulator, and finally the incorporation of the literature review and the driver behaviour analysis in the TNO Inro MIXIC traffic simulation model which was subsequently used to assess the effects of CA. The CA control algorithms were developed by TNO Automotive and TNO Human Factors, based on information provided by Daimler-Chrysler in terms of the HMI and functionality of the CA. The scenarios analyzed in the traffic simulation model included trucks and passenger cars, but only the trucks had the CA equipment. Overall it is concluded that the introduction of Chauffeur Assistant in the HGV sector, assuming its use is limited to the primary road network of the Netherlands, will have no negative effects on traffic flow. The results of the MIXIC simulations do not suggest that significant changes will occur in any of the variables describing the quality of traffic flow (travel times, speeds, density etc.) and traffic safety (shockwaves, TTC, headways etc.) should CA be introduced in the HGV sector. The drivers participating in the driving simulator study did indicate, though, that their perceived workload decreased when CA was used. As mentioned, compensating behaviour in these cases is not yet known, but worth examining in the future. The effectiveness of CA system could significantly be enhanced if the system were applicable in other circumstances as well: wither by equipping other types of vehicles, such as passenger vehicles, with the system, or by extending the operational range to below the standard minimum speed by integrating a stop&go system in the CA. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting