Empirical Approach for Determining Lane Change Distance at Obstacle Avoidance Manoeuvre

Zoran Miladin Papić
University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences

Goran Zovak
University of Zagreb Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences

Vuk Bogdanović
University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences

Nenad Josip Saulić
University of Novi Sad Faculty of Technical Sciences

Abstract

The lane change of vehicles for avoiding hitting a sudden obstacle represents a significant and unique problem for traffic accident experts. Most mathematic models for determining the lane change distance are based on theoretical research studies and a lot of simplifications and approximations. In order to analyse the influence of different drivers and vehicles on a manoeuvre, an experimental research study of lane change was carried out at the test track which enables repeatability in the same conditions. The drivers were instructed to drive through the test track at a maximum speed without displacing the traffic cones. Based on the statistical analyses of the successful lane change manoeuvres an empirical model for the calculation of lane change distance for obstacle avoidance was formed. This model can be applied in the procedure of traffic accident reconstructions as well as within the development of the concept of modern intelligent vehicles.