Design of Simulator Scenarios to Study Effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control Systems

Abstract

The mission of the National Advanced Driving Simulator is to conduct highway safety research that will reduce annual loss of life on U.S. roadways. The simulator is well suited in its ability to replicate vehicle dynamics—and associated motion and visual cues—realistically to conduct complex experiments. It is unique in its ability to study vehicle control and loss-of-control situations in a safe and controlled environment. These capabilities make it an appropriate device to study the effectiveness of electronic stability control (ESC) systems, in which proper handling during loss of vehicle control is critical to assess system efficacy. The focus of the study is on challenges associated with creating repeatable yet unexpected scenario events in which loss of control is imminent for most drivers. Scenario events designed for a large-scale experiment to study ESC systems are detailed, data derived from these scenarios are discussed, and findings of scenario effectiveness are presented. A discussion of what constitutes loss of control and how to measure its effect effectively is provided.