Methodology for the impact assessment of the “Automobile” factor on road safety

Introduction . The article is devoted to the analysis of the influence of various factors characterizing the element «Automobile» within the framework of the «Driver-Automobile-Road-Environment» system (DARE) on road safety. The purpose of the study has been formulated and the research relevance has been outlined. Materials and methods . Five safety speeds characterizing the interaction between vehicle and pedestrian are reflected. The influence of the stability factor on road safety is described with the help of estimation of critical speeds of wheel drifting, sliding, overturning, aquaplaning (hydroplaning). The peculiarities of the influence of vehicle wheel turning ability on the conditions of safe vehicle operation are presented. The necessity of determining the dynamic dimension, as well as braking and stopping distances is assessed, including consideration of the vehicle equipped with anti-lock system. Results . The conclusion about the need to assess comprehensively the influence of the most significant factors of each element of the «Driver-Automobile-Road-Environment» system, taking into account their quantitative and qualitative characteristics and features of mutual influence has been made. The authors have developed coefficients for estimation the significance of the “Automobile” factor in the «Driver-Automobile-Road-Environment» (DARE) system. A justification to continue the further studies of the mutual influence of the main indicators in «Driver- Automobile-Road-Environment» (DARE) system has been given. Discussion and conclusions . The results of the study are intended for the organizations carrying out activities in the field of road safety. This study is an integral part of the development of a general methodology for assessing the indicators of the «Driver-Automobile-Road-Environment» (DARE) system.