Identifying the effects of driving parameters on stopping distance to reduce accident risks

Abstract

The object of the research is the most important factors causing road accidents. This paper aimed to study the effects of this factors and their interactions on the stopping distance function. Understanding this function through simulation and comparing the results with mathematical models and experimental tests will help to reduce the number of road accidents. A large part of road accidents is linked to non-compliance with regulatory speed associated with vehicle braking system (grip, road and tires) and weather conditions. A speed measurement campaign on peri-urban roads was carried out to study driving behavior and compliance with speed limits in several Algerian cities. An experimental modelling of speed, anti-lock system, weather, grip and their interaction effects on the stopping distance of a vehicle using the experimental design method, combined with driving simulator tests was been conducted. The developments of experimental design with speed variation ranges (70 and 130 km/h) were necessary to study the influence of the various driving parameters on stopping distance. The mathematical model developed has been validated by the results obtained on the simulator. The experimental design method and simulator results were used to identify and define the important parameters that influence the braking distance. The results show that the stopping distance (SD) is mainly influenced by the vehicle speed (S), the weather conditions (M), and their interaction. The increase due to speed leads to an increase in the stopping distance with an estimated effect of 54.30 m. When the speed varies between its lower experimental level (70 km/h) and its higher level (130 km/h), it is estimated that the stopping distance will increase by 54.30 m. The analysis of the road speed measurement campaign, 55 % of road users do not obey the speed limits. The results obtained in this study can be applied to other countries, only the parameters need to be adjusted.