A Field Operational Test of Adaptive Cruise Control System Operability in Naturalistic Use

The results from this field operational test (FOT) show differences in the longitudinal control of headway between manual driving and driving with an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system. Based on measurements made during naturalistic driving by laypersons, it is found that the ACC mode of driver assistance contributes to longer following distances and is perceived to improve driver comfort and convenience. Observations on desirable improvements for ACC systems are presented.