The Driver's Reference Point as a Function of Vehicle Type, Direction and Radius of Turn

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the location of the point on the long axis of an automobile which intersects the center line of a prescribed path when driven under a variety of conditions. The variables investigated were: (1) Vehicle type; a large full-size car, a compact car and a bus-type vehicle were employed. (2) Radius of turn; 50 and 25 ft to the center of a circular lane. (3) Direction of turn; right and left turns. Twenty-four subjects participated in the study, each driving all cars under all conditions. Significant differences in the location of the mean points of intersection relative to the front bumper within and between cars were associated with the various conditions. Location of the driver eye points relative to the points of intersection differed little, especially in the 25-ft radius condition.