Evaluation of the Effects of Autonomous Vehicles on Highway Geometric Design

Autonomous vehicles (AV) need to see ahead since the driver no longer drives the vehicles. The driver’s eye in AV is replaced by the Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar). However, the distance ahead of the autonomous vehicle that must be available, called sigh distance SD, is less for AV because the perception-reaction time of the AV is much less than that of the driver. The main objectives of this project are threefold: (1) to develop revised values of different types of sight distances that are required by autonomous vehicles, (2) to determine the configuration of Lidar sensors (height, effective range, field of view) for the safe operation of AV on mixed traffic (autonomous and human-driven vehicles) on existing highways, and (3) to present revised values for geometric design on highways with only autonomous vehicles. The results of the proposed project should improve safety of AV on existing and new highways.

Faculty Supervisor:

Said Easa

Student:

Partner:

Ontario Society of Professional Engineers

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Real estate and rental and leasing

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: