Driving Assistance Provided by Adaptive Cruise Control

This paper discusses the values that Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems can provide to the consumer now and in the future. It contains results from research applicable to understanding ACC behavior in traffic streams. The paper includes findings on (1) non-intrusive means for characterizing ACC behavior, (2) the influence of ACC behavior on the microscopic properties of traffic flow, and (3) prospects for the use of ACC systems to relieve driver frustration in heavy traffic as well as contributing to smoother traffic flow.