Vehicle response to hydroplaning: Evaluation of driver reaction using a dynamic driver simulator

Hydroplaning poses a significant risk to road safety, as a water wedge between the tires and the road reduces the vehicle’s responsiveness to driver inputs. This phenomenon is influenced by factors such as vehicle speed, water depth, and tire wear, directly impacting parameters like cornering stiffness, relaxation length, and friction coefficient. This study evaluates a control logic designed to assist drivers during hydroplaning. A novel tire model was developed and integrated into a 14-degree-of-freedom vehicle model to simulate hydroplaning effects, while an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) was designed to enhance vehicle control. A dynamic driving simulator was used to test driver interactions with the proposed control system and assess its effectiveness. The ADAS was evaluated in double-lane-change and high-speed turn scenarios, where drivers of varying experience levels were asked to complete the maneuver at different speeds, both with and without the control system’s assistance. The control strategy helped the drivers to complete the maneuvers, reducing their effort on the steering wheel. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into how everyday drivers manage hydroplaning, highlighting ADAS’s potential to improve vehicle control and safety in such conditions.