Impact of Data Packet Loss for DSRC Vehicular Safety Communication in Connected Vehicle Platoons

In the context of the development of wireless networks in the field of connected vehicles, platooning becomes more common on the road, and vehicular safety communication is crucial to ensure driver and passenger safety. Communication between vehicles within platoons relies on Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) and Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC). The DSRC allows vehicles to communicate by exchanging safety information like location, speed, and acceleration. As a result, the CACC control solution maintains a speed-independent inter-vehicle distance of the followers’ vehicles based on this information. The platoon systems are susceptible to data packet loss that determine delayed and incomplete responses which can lead to collisions or other safety issues. This paper analyzes indicators such as the distance between platoon members, the front delay, and the relative speed of vehicles that have an impact on vehicular safety communication.