Driver behavior modeling near intersections using support vector machines based on statistical feature extraction

The capability to estimate driver´s intention leads to the development of advanced driver assistance systems that can assist the drivers in complex situations. Developing precise driver behavior models near intersections can considerably reduce the number of accidents at road intersections. In this study, the problem of driver behavior modeling near a road intersection is investigated using support vector machines (SVMs) based on the hybrid-state system (HSS) framework. In the HSS framework, the decisions of the driver are represented as a discrete-state system and the vehicle dynamics are represented as a continuous-state system. The proposed modeling technique utilizes the continuous observations from the vehicle and estimates the driver´s intention at each time step using a multi-class SVM approach. Statistical methods are used to extract features from continuous observations. This allows for the use of history in estimating the current state. The developed algorithm is trained and tested successfully using naturalistic driving data collected from a sensor-equipped vehicle operated in the streets of Columbus, OH and provided by the Ohio State University. The proposed framework shows a promising accuracy of above 97% in estimating the driver´s intention when approaching an intersection.