Body-pillar vision obstructions and lane-change crashes

This exploratory study investigated the relationship between vision obstructions from body pillars and lane-change crashes. The vision obstructions were quantified by measuring, from the driver's perspective, the horizontal angular sizes and locations of the driver-side A-, B-, and C-pillars. The sample consisted of 21 vehicle models, including 13 passenger cars, 6 SUVs, 1 minivan, and 1 pickup truck. To control for driver differences, going-straight crashes were used for comparison, with the dependent variable being the ratio of lane-change crashes to going-straight crashes. The analysis used North Carolina crash data. The results of a multiple regression indicate that the relative frequency of lane-change crashes tended to increase with both wider A-pillars and with A-pillars located farther away from straight ahead. The finding supports the hypothesis that visibility obstructions due to A-pillars have safety implications.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2007.06.003
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V6F-4PTF7SC-2/2/5fafd5c311ccfdb72828916653acee8c
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1800052
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Sivak, Michael
  • Schoettle, Brandon
  • Reed, Matthew P
  • Flannagan, Michael J
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 557-561
• Serial:
  • Journal of Safety Research
  • Volume: 38
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0022-4375
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00224375

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Columns; Lane changing; Passenger cars; Passenger compartments; Pickup trucks; Regression analysis; Sport utility vehicles; Traffic crashes; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Exploratory studies; Minivans; Vehicle models; Visual obstructions
• Geographic Terms: North Carolina
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01083063
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 27 2007 8:25AM