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Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Driving Experiment Effect of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control on Traffic Flow:
Testing Drivers' Choices of Following Distance
Overview
We are currently seeking commuters in the Bay Area to participate in a two-week study using a prototype of an advanced Adaptive Cruise Control system. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a technology that uses forward-looking sensors to enhance a conventional cruise control system, allowing your vehicle to automatically slow down and maintain a safe gap when you are following a vehicle. Thus, in moderate traffic where a conventional cruise control must be constantly adjusted or turned off, an ACC system could be set once and then should keep your desired speed and/or following distance despite changing traffic conditions.
Why are we doing this research project?
The goal of this project is to help find ways to reduce traffic congestion in California. While ACC systems are already sold as an option in some vehicles, this project is testing a prototype of more advanced version, known as Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC). The CACC system differs from ACC because it is in constant wireless communication with the vehicle in front. With CACC, the system will know immediately when the vehicle in front starts to brake. This allows the system to react faster which, in turn, allows the system to safely follow with a shorter gap, and shorter gaps means that our current highways can handle more cars during peak hours!
What will be asked of me if I volunteer to participate?
This study is tailored to work around your hours and your commute. In fact, the bulk of the study consists of us providing you with a research vehicle to drive for about two weeks (14 days).
During the first phase of the study, you will be loaned an Infiniti FX45 equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system to drive for 6 days. This vehicle can be driven as your own personal vehicle during this period; however, we ask that you try to use the ACC system as much as possible.
The second phase will start with a weekend test session lasting about 30 minutes to 1 hour or until you feel comfortable using the CACC system. Two researchers will meet you at your home and drive with you on a short route around your home to demonstrate the CACC system's capabilities. Then you will spend the last 5 days of the experiment using the CACC system on your morning and evening commutes. Two researchers will meet you at your home in the morning and at your work in the evening to accompany you on your commute. We are flexible on commute routes and times.
There are also two paper surveys that you will need to complete during the course of the study. Each survey should take no more than a half-hour to complete.
Incentives and Compensation
The costs for gasoline for the research vehicle, while in your care, will be provided by the project. Additionally, a $100 stipend will be paid for your participation in the study.
Who Can Participate?
To participate you must:
Unfortunately, one of the major stipulations of this experiment is that no passengers are allowed to ride in the research vehicle with you.
Sign Me Up!
Contact Information for Coordinating Volunteer Researcher:
Please fill out the form below if you would like to participate in these studies.
Contact Information:
Please type the word "PATH CACC" in the box below:
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