Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control (AICC) is likely to be one of the first applications of Automatic Vehicle Control Systems (AVCS) for motor vehicles. AICC is a relatively simple system which requires no breakthrough technology and no highway infrastructure or cooperative communication with other vehicles to function. AICC is an enhancement of conventional cruise control systems in that it can assume the task of longitudinal station keeping in traffic by automatically maintaining an appropriate speed-related following distance behind a lead vehicle. Although AICC is likely to be marketed as a convenience feature, it may have significant safety and mobility benefits. An analysis of the kinematics of car following indicates that an AICC systems has the potential to reduce the frequency of severity of rear end crashes. Concerns about risk compensation are discussed. A simple analysis suggests that net safety benefits can accrue even if drivers become somewhat less attentive because of reliance on the system for station-keeping in traffic. Tort liability is a major concern that could influence the timetable for deploying AICC and related AVCS applications. It is concluded that a broad industry consensus and the support of government agencies may be a necessary prediction for deployment. (A)
Samenvatting