Time-to-collision analysis of pedestrian and pedal-cycle accidents for the development of autonomous emergency braking systems

Accid Anal Prev. 2018 Jun:115:128-136. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.02.028. Epub 2018 Mar 19.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the position of pedestrians and pedal cyclists relative to the striking vehicle in the 3 s before impact. This information is essential for the development of effective autonomous emergency braking systems and relevant test conditions for consumer ratings. The UK RAIDS-OTS study provided 175 pedestrian and 127 pedal-cycle cases based on in-depth, at-scene investigations of a representative sample of accidents in 2000-2010. Pedal cyclists were scattered laterally more widely than pedestrians (90% of cyclists within around ±80° compared to ±20° for pedestrians), however their distance from the striking vehicle in the seconds before impact was no greater (90% of cyclists within 42 m at 3 s compared to 50 m for pedestrians). This data is consistent with a greater involvement of slow moving vehicles in cycle accidents. The implication of the results is that AEB systems for cyclists require almost complete 180° side-to-side vision but do not need a longer distance range than for pedestrians.

Keywords: AEB sensors; Autonomous emergency braking; Pedal cycle; Pedestrian; Pre-impact location; Time-to-collision.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic* / prevention & control
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Automation
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Bicycling*
  • Deceleration*
  • Emergencies*
  • Humans
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Pedestrians*
  • Protective Devices
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Technology
  • Time Factors
  • United Kingdom
  • Vision, Ocular
  • Walking