A new approach to designing lateral collision warning systems

Abstract

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 43% of all fatal accidents reported in 2001 involved a lane or road departure. There are a number of systems on the market that monitor driver lane position or use radar technology to track the position of other drivers. The majority of these systems and available research focuses on the prevention of longitudinal collision or lane departures. In this paper we will discuss a system that reduces the likelihood of a lateral collision. The problem was analysed by a Work Domain Analysis, the first phase of Cognitive Work Analysis. This analysis informed an nterface design that provides the driver with information on the position of other road users; and delivers a time critical warning when the driver is in a position of impending collision.