Pavement Perspective on AV Safety through Optimizing Lateral Positioning Pattern
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abstract
Automated vehicles (AV) and connected vehicles (CV) are coming at a rapid pace with many potential advantages including fewer traffic collisions and increased accessibility. However, one aspect of AV/CV that has not received enough attention is AV/CV lane choice and positioning pattern. Currently, AV positions itself within a lane by keeping a fixed distance from the lane marker or other reference. From the pavement perspective this channelized traffic will create deeper wheel path ruts which potentially can lead to an increased risk of vehicle hydroplaning and other safety problems in wet weather conditions. This research project will evaluate this issue from a pavements perspective and develop guidelines for reducing AV/CV hydroplaning potential through optimizing a lateral wheel positioning pattern and designing more rut resistant pavement surfaces.
