The Effect of Rear-End Collision Warnings on on-Going Response

Abstract

Rear-end collisions are a major concern for highway safety, and considerable effort is being expended to address the frequency of these types on collisions. One possible solution is to warn drivers just before a collision is to occur, so that they can attempt to avoid it. One concern is that warnings may interfere with an avoidance response the driver may have already initiated. This simulator study examined how drivers respond to a rear-end collision when they receive a warning as they begin to release the accelerator. Contrary to expectations, the warning enhanced rather than undermined collision avoidance performance. Receiving a warning as the accelerator was released reduced the accelerator-brake reaction time by 50%. These data suggest that RECAS warnings are unlikely to interfere with a driver's ongoing response.