Abstract
In this research, a driving simulator is used to examine, for experimental purposes, how drivers keeping a constant headway distance between themselves and the car ahead can control their vehicles when headway changes. As a result, the following points are identified:
Driver control of the headway distance from the car ahead varies due to headway distance changes. When the distance is 10m, the driver is strained and frequently works on the accelerator pedal. In the case of 20m, the driver begins to relax. When it is 30m, the driver slowly works on the accelerator pedal. Drivers enhance their derivative control action when the headway distance is short, and enhance proportional control action in long headways. Recognition of the relative velocity affects driver behavior to control the distance from the car ahead. In the extent of this experiment, an easy-to-control headway distance is found to be around 20m.
