Exploring safety in platoons of connected autonomous vehicles: investigating emergency braking conditions and collision severity

Abstract

Traffic accidents are a significant problem worldwide, resulting in human fatalities and economic losses. In the context of the platooning of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), maintaining safe distances and speeds within vehicles is crucial in order to reduce the possibility of rear-end collisions. The severity of such collisions depends on the relative impact speed between vehicles, and more research is needed regarding the emergency braking conditions of CAVs and their impact on platooning safety. This study examines how braking conditions affect the collision risk and severity during the emergency situations that may arise in CAVs platooning. Results indicate that the analyzed platooning algorithm is safe, even if the leader brakes at a high intensity of 1g.In case one vehicle within the platoon suffering an accident, this can lead to subsequent rear-end crashes, involving 2-5 vehicles depending on the severity of the incident.