Understanding the discretionary lane-changing behaviour in the connected environment

Area of Science:

• Traffic Safety
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Engineering

Background:

• Discretionary lane-changing (DLC) is a complex driving maneuver requiring traffic awareness.
• Connected environments offer potential for enhanced situational awareness and improved DLC decision-making.
• Empirical evidence on the impact of connected environments on DLC behavior is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of connected environments on discretionary lane-changing (DLC) behavior.
• To investigate how communication quality (perfect vs. delayed) influences DLC.
• To assess the impact of connected environments on the safety of DLC maneuvers.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-eight participants performed DLCs in a driving simulator under three conditions: baseline, connected with perfect communication, and connected with communication delay.
• Linear mixed models, Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) models for gap acceptance and DLC duration, and a Weibull accelerated failure time hazard-based model were used.
• Key driving behavior indicators, gap acceptance, DLC duration, and collision avoidance probability were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Drivers in connected environments exhibited larger spacing, bigger lead/lag gaps, longer DLC duration, and reduced acceleration noise compared to baseline.
• Connected environments led to the selection of larger gap sizes for lane changes.
• DLC duration increased in connected environments (2.22s perfect, 2.11s delayed).
• The probability of lane-changing collisions was lower in connected environments.

Conclusions:

• Connected environments significantly improve discretionary lane-changing (DLC) behavior by enhancing driver awareness and decision-making.
• Improved gap selection and longer maneuver durations contribute to increased safety.
• The connected environment, even with communication delays, enhances overall traffic safety during DLCs.