VisionSense: an advanced lateral collision warning system

VisionSense is an advanced driver assistance system which combines a lateral collision warning system with vehicle-to-vehicle communication. This paper shows the results of user needs assessment and traffic safety modelling of VisionSense. User needs were determined by means of a Web-based survey. The results show, that VisionSense is most appreciated when it uses a light signal to warn the driver in a possibly hazardous situation on a highway. The willingness to pay is estimated at 300 Euros. Another conclusion based on the survey is that frequent car users want less assistance than less frequent drivers. Besides the user needs the impact on traffic safety is modelled. The results are indicative and more research has to be done. Traffic safety effects of VisionSense on a highway were modelled by means of a microscopic car following and lane change algorithm. Twelve different traffic scenarios were modelled with and without VisionSense. With VisionSense no traffic conflicts occur due to lane changing and less lane changes are performed. VisionSense is a system that can improve traffic safety in the future.