Cars Are “Talking” and Their Drivers Are “Listening”

Abstract

In this study, driving behaviors were observed for a sample of 42 participants, ages 18–55 years, in the presence and absence of the Dynamic Speed Harmonization (DSH) and Emergency Electronic Brake Lights (EEBL) connected vehicle applications. Overall, drivers’ behaviors seemed to be positively and significantly influenced by these applications, with drivers staying more focused on the roadway, maintaining speeds more closely distributed around the posted speed limit, reacting to incidents with braking responses that were lower in intensity and less erratic, recovering from incidents with acceleration responses that were harder and less erratic, and maintaining higher TTCs. These changes are indicative of desirable behaviors that should promote string stability of platoons, provide speed-related consistency that should reduce the possibility for incidents to occur, and elicit more appropriate responses when an incident does occur. These findings provide empirical support to the often-cited claim that CVs will improve safety and mobility.