Decision Behavior of Leading Vehicle Driver With Predictive-Forward-Collision-Warning Considering Group Heterogeneity

Abstract

The decision behavior of the leading vehicle driver significantly impacts the safety of the connected mixed platoon, especially on the longitudinal decision during emergency braking events. However, driving abilities vary among leading vehicle drivers. Predictive-forward-collision-warning (PFCW) is an emerging technology that enhances driving safety by providing traffic information beyond the driver’s line of sight. But the influence of PFCW on their decision behavior remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the leading driving competence of heterogeneous driver groups under the influence of PFCW. This study established a test platform for the connected mixed platoon using driving simulation technology. Subsequently, it developed a connected human–machine interface incorporating PFCW functionality and recruited 36 participants to experiment. The experiment aimed to analyze decision behaviors during the emergency braking event involving preceding vehicles. The latent profile analysis model was employed to identify heterogeneous driver groups. Moreover, the cumulative prospect theory was used to characterize drivers’ decision behaviors. The results indicated that PFCW encouraged drivers to maintain a larger distance from the preceding vehicle and to exhibit smoother braking behavior. However, the group of older, skilled drivers who were subjectively concerned about the driving status of following vehicles exhibited higher driving risk as the leading vehicle driver when PFCW was absent. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of longitudinal decision behavioral performance among heterogeneous driver groups in the presence of PFCW. It offers insights for subsequent customization of the selection criteria for leading vehicle drivers, and the tailored design of PFCW based on the characteristics and behavioral preferences of these heterogeneous driver groups.