Utilization of Perceptual Looming in Overtaking Decisions

This paper presents the results of a naturalistic study of driver’s responses to a slower moving vehicle. The objectives of the study were to determine if drivers utilize perceptual looming when electing to pass a slower moving vehicle and if so, the degree to which the looming value corresponds to the findings from controlled studies of driver’s ability to detect perceptual looming. The results indicate that drivers do rely on perceptual looming as a cue when initiating a passing maneuver and that the associated value is consistent with findings from controlled studies of driver’s abilities in this regard.