Effectiveness and Driver Acceptance of a Semi-Autonomous Forward Obstacle Collision Avoidance System

Abstract

This paper investigates effectiveness for improving safety and driver acceptance of a semi-autonomous forward obstacle collision avoidance system. This system intervenes into control only when a driver shows his or her intention to avoid an obstacle, but may turn the steering wheel by itself when necessary even if the driver hits the brake only. The results of a driving simulator experiment show that the number of collisions is reduced, and that the minimum value of the time to collision is enlarged even when an obstacle appears suddenly. That is, the system is proven to be effective for emergency avoidance of an obstacle. Moreover, analyses on subjective ratings on improvement of collision avoidance capability and appropriateness of the system's maneuver suggest that the drivers have accepted the semi-autonomous turning of the steering wheel by the system.