Thresholds, comfort and maximum acceptability of horizontal accelerations associated with car driving. On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management.

In the context of Automated Highway Systems (AHS), three relevant boundary levels of acceleration in the horizontal plane can be distinguished. These are: perception thresholds, comfort boundaries, and maximum acceptability. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of these acceleration levels. Based on a survey of scientific literature, data are reported on linear accelerations in longitudinal and lateral directions, and on rotatory accelerations in the horizontal plane, such as may occur due to steering, braking and accelerating behaviour of passenger cars. In addition, two experiments have been carried out to obtain additional data concerning: (1) linear acceleration thresholds while driving; and (2) lateral acceleration comfort. (A)