Safety-Centered Scenario Generation for Autonomous Vehicles

2026-01-0529

4/7/2026

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Abstract
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This paper presents a scenario generation framework that creates diverse, parametrized, and safety-critical driving situations to validate the safety features of autonomous vehicles in simulation [1]. By modeling factors such as road geometry, traffic participants, environmental conditions, and perception uncertainties, the framework enables repeatable and scalable testing of safety mechanisms, including emergency braking, evasive maneuvers, and vulnerable road user protection. The framework supports both regulatory and edge case scenarios, mapped to hazards and safety goals derived from Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA), ensuring traceability to ISO 26262 functional safety requirements and performance limitations. The output from these simulations provides quantitative safety metrics such as time-to-collision, minimum distance, braking and steering performance, and residual collision severity. These metrics enable the systematic evaluation of evasive maneuvering as a safety feature, while highlighting system limitations and edgecase vulnerabilities. Integration of scenario-based simulation with safety engineering principles offers accelerated validation cycles, improved test coverage at reduced cost, and stronger evidence for regulatory and stakeholder confidence.
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Citation
Chandra Shekar, K. and Arab, A., "Safety-Centered Scenario Generation for Autonomous Vehicles," WCX SAE World Congress Experience, Detroit, Michigan, United States, April 14, 2026, https://doi.org/10.4271/2026-01-0529.
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Publisher
Published
Apr 07
Product Code
2026-01-0529
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English