Study of lateral acceleration of a Ford Transit car on various road surfaces

Abstract

Abstract The measurement of car acceleration in time can be used to assess driving styles and safety behaviours of drivers. The values of lateral acceleration of the car can be an indication of the driver’s aggressive driving style and tendency for risky behaviour. If the lateral acceleration is too high, it may affect the car’s stability and potentially cause it to roll over. The paper outlines the results of the lateral acceleration analysis of a Ford Transit car driving in a circle and in the attempt to change two driving lanes. The tests were conducted in driving practice areas. Measurements were taken for the test vehicle driving in circles with maximum attainable velocity, and changing two driving lanes with pre-specified velocity. The tests were conducted on asphalt and concrete surfaces, in dry, wet and icy conditions. The purpose of the tests was to determine the maximum lateral acceleration of the analysed vehicle. The impact of the surface condition on the lateral acceleration of the test vehicle was also determined. The obtained results can be used as threshold values to assess driving style, and to analyse causes of accidents taking into consideration the condition of the road surface.