Light-Vehicle Drivers’ Time-to-Arrival Judgments for Truck Platoons Approaching an Intersection

Truck platooning refers to the coordinated operation of multiple trucks using connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies. By synchronizing movements, platoons can reduce fuel consumption and improve aerodynamic efficiency. However, little is known about how drivers judge the time-to-arrival of approaching truck platoons at intersections. In this study, participants acted as drivers of a partially automated vehicle traveling at 50 mph toward a 4-way intersection 2,500 feet ahead. Truck platoons, also traveling at 50 mph, approached from the left or right. Platoon configurations varied in the number of trucks and intervehicle spacing. Each platoon was visible for 3 s and then disappeared 3 s before reaching the intersection. Participants pressed a key when they believed the platoon would enter the intersection assuming constant speed. Results showed that intervehicle spacing had a stronger effect on underestimating time-to-arrival than platoon size. These findings provide guidance for configuring platoons to encourage safer decisions.