Applying the Risk Appraisal Model to Following Distance Feedback and Implications from the Pilot Study. (September 2016) - Toyoda, Heishiro
Rear end crashes are one of the most frequent types for US drivers. One of the factors for this crash type is following the lead vehicle too closely. Since achieving and maintaining an appropriate following distance is a function of vehicle speed and distance, a mental model is difficult to establish. The Following Distance Training system (FDT) was developed to help the driver learn appropriate following distances (FD). The FDT gives real-time, visual feedback on FD. To assess the effectiveness of the FDT, the Risk Appraisal Model (RAM) was developed. The RAM is comprised of three components: Risk-size Appraisal, Benefit Appraisal, and Cost Appraisal. Ten young adult participants drove a vehicle instrumented with FDT. Three groups of participants were identified from the data. Group-A was participants who showed no improvement in FD. Group-B showed a large improvement and Group-C had a modest improvement. Group-A was identified as sensation-seeking, which relates to the Benefit Appraisal in the RAM. The Group-B and -C participants were related to an improvement in Risk-Size Appraisal in the RAM. These results support FDT effectiveness and can be explained using the RAM. The implications of these findings, and the RAM, are discussed and suggestions for future research are given.