Dynamic Behavioral Data Collection Using an Instrumented Vehicle

A significant problem that has become increasingly apparent in the development of models of driver behavior over the last few years is the absence of reliable data with which simulated processes, such as car following, may be compared. Obtaining such data, and the associated increase in model validity that this would allow, is clearly becoming of greater importance since a reliable baseline is required against which improvements in traffic flow and safety produced by many advanced transport telematics systems can be judged. One source of such data is an instrumented vehicle; a vehicle equipped with relative distance- and speed-measuring sensors that may be deployed in the traffic stream to collect data that are realistic, accurate, and dynamic. The opportunities for data collection afforded by instrumented vehicles are examined, in particular, the construction and testing of a new facility fitted with an optical speedometer, a radar rangefinder (capable of measuring the distance to, and relative speed of, the next vehicle in the traffic stream), and forward- and rear-looking video camera. Examples are given of the use of the vehicle in several current research projects, the operational strategies for which will be presented and discussed along with output. These include experiments on close-following, lane-changing, and the perception of relative speed. In conclusion, future areas of research and development are examined.