Research opportunities

Master Thesis Projects

Driver preferences for usage of driving automation in various road scenarios

Despite technological advancements in driving automation, the decision to continue using driving automation or disengage often lies with the driver, who must assess the road conditions and feel confident in the system's abilities. Previous studies have highlighted that drivers tend to trust or distrust automation depending on specific road environments and situational factors. For instance, drivers may prefer to use automated systems in relatively predictable environments, such as highways, but might choose to disengage automation in complex or unfamiliar driving scenarios like urban traffic, construction zones, or bad weather conditions. However, the factors influencing these decisions are not fully understood. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate which road situations and conditions prompt drivers to either continue relying on driving automation or manually take over control of the vehicle.

Is Eyes-on & Hands-off driving a good idea?

Automated driving technologies are evolving rapidly, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated vehicle systems now a reality in the consumer market. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Level 2 systems, which require constant driver supervision while offering advanced driving assistance (Eyes-on & Hands-on), are common in vehicles today. However, newer systems, referred to as "Level 2+," allow for extended periods where the vehicle controls both steering and acceleration, with minimal driver intervention, encouraging a "hands-off" and "eyes-on" driving experience. Despite the marketing appeal of these systems, there is a concern regarding the safety, usability, and user perception of such driving.

Analysis of red light negation and safety at signalized intersections

In 2022, 745 persons were killed and about 8.300 were seriously injured in road traffic crashes. Almost 40% of the fatalities and two thirds of the seriously injured were cyclists. This is reported in ‘De Staat van de Verkeersveiligheid 2023’ published in December 2023 by SWOV. In The Netherlands 31% of the traffic fatalities and 54% of de cyclist fatalities happen at intersections. Particularly signalised intersections (VRI) appear unsafe due to their relative high infrastructure design complexity, high and mixed modality traffic flow (motorised traffic and vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians). There is a lack of scientific evidence about the current safety impact of design elements of VRI intersections, including variations in signalising and on the traffic safety impact of red light running. The following overall research questions will be addressed: does the probability of crossing on red light increase the longer you have to wait? Can we determine the relationship between - for instance - red light violations, clearance time, green time and waiting time with available synchronised V-logs and video recordings?

Viability of Safety Performance Indicators (SPI)

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a shift towards automation and electrification of the vehicles. This comes under the ambition of safer and more sustainable automotive industry. As type approval authority RDW is faced with a particular challenge of striking a good balance between safety and innovation. To ensure safe deployment of Automotive Driving System (ADS) many assessment criteria are being developed and proposed. One such assessment methodology is In-Service Monitoring and Reporting. The In-Service Monitoring and Reporting (ISMR) is considered as post deployment activities to ensure safe operation of the ADS and proper reporting.
In-Service Monitoring and reporting is executed to ensure that the ADS performance is within the nominal performance of the vehicle during its operation. The manufacturers can demonstrate an effective ISMR through multiple Key performance indicator (KPI) and Safety performance indicator (SPI). KPIs aim to assure that monitoring is performed at an optimal level and addresses any issues affecting the effectiveness of the monitoring program. However, SPIs aim at monitoring the safety performance/behavioral competences over the operational lifecycle of the ADS.

Understanding Cyclist Experience, Safety, and Satisfaction

Cycling is an integral aspect of sustainable transportation, and promoting cyclist-friendly environments is crucial for enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and improving public health. However, the quality of cycling infrastructure and the surrounding landscape can significantly impact the experience and safety of cyclists. This project helps in the identification and
understanding of factors that are essential for urban planners and policymakers to design and maintain effective cycling networks.

Case Zuidasdok Amsterdam – Safety impacts of urban design on active transportation

The Zuidasdok project in Amsterdam is an urban revitalization initiative aimed at improving the mobility infrastructure of the Zuidas area. As part of the redevelopment process, local policymakers are eager to understand the safety implications of different urban design elements on active modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and other non-motorized forms of travel in this unique, high density urban area.

Quantifying the safety perception of AV occupants with respect to the interactions with cyclists and pedestrians

Cyclists and pedestrians, collectively referred to as Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), including motorcyclists, skateboarders, and equestrians, present a unique challenge to the safety and comfort perception of autonomous vehicle (AV) occupants. The interaction between AVs and VRUs is a key determinant of occupant trust, comfort, and overall well-being. Currently, AV motion planning and decision-making algorithms do not account for AV occupant safety perception, potentially leading to stressful and uncomfortable rides. Recent studies suggest that AVs adopting altruistic behaviors in their interactions with other road users can maximize comfort, trust, and well-being. However, the specific interaction dynamics between AVs and cyclists/pedestrians and their impact on AV occupant safety perception remain unexplored. Furthermore, the quantification and mathematical modeling of
safety perception are lacking. Addressing this knowledge gap can facilitate the development, testing, and optimization of AVs with realistic safety perception algorithms, enhancing passenger well-being and contributing to a safer and more harmonious transportation ecosystem.

Usefulness and necessity of arrow marking in exit lanes, splits and weaving sections

On Dutch motorways, pre-sorting arrows are present in exit lanes, splits and weaving sections (diverging discontinuities). Several neighbouring countries do not apply these markings, and it has become clear that the production and installation of these markings has a relative high negative environmental impact. Furthermore, in car navigation systems might reduce the need for pre sorting markings. Therefore, we are reconsidering the use of pre-sorting arrows on our motorways. However, since these arrows have always been present on our motorways, we assume drivers expect these arrows and anticipate a lane-change using these arrows. The aim of this research is to investigate possible differences in driving behaviour when arrows are not present.

Influence of parallel lines on curve driving

Motorway curves with sharp radii pose a significant challenge for drivers, making them some of the most
dangerous stretches of motorway. Previous eye-tracking research has shown some evidence that incorporating
parallel elements alongside these curves can aid drivers in detecting and navigating them. These elements might
include chevron signs, as well as continuous features like guardrails, noise barriers (as shown in the image
above), or a line of trees. Additionally, it is hypothesised that higher parallel lines offer greater assistance to
drivers in adjusting their driving speed as they approach the curve. This research aims to explore how various
types of parallel lines impact the deceleration process when approaching a curve.

Intensity and diversity of traffic on bicycle tracks and the implications on safety

In 2022 the share of cyclists of total road fatalities increased to about 40%. In recent years, bicycle tracks are being used not only by ordinary bicycles, but also by different types of vehicles, such as pedelecs, light mopeds, and cargo bikes. These different types of vehicles have sometimes large differences in speeds, mass and demand for space requirements. This phenomena increases the heterogeneity on our bicycle tracks, and considering the sustainable safety principles could have negative implications on road safety. However, evidence-based research in this regard is missing. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap on how this increased heterogeneity affects the interactions between road users of different types of vehicles, and the implications on their safety.

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