SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING A VEHICLE

A system for navigating a host vehicle may receive an image representative of an environment of the host vehicle and determine a planned navigational action for accomplishing a navigational goal of the host vehicle. The system may identify a target vehicle, determine a current speed of the target vehicle, and assume a maximum braking rate capability of the target vehicle. The system may determine a next-state distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle that would result if the planned navigational action was taken. The system may implement the planned navigational action if the host vehicle may be stopped using a predetermined sub-maximal braking rate within a distance that is less than the determined next-state distance summed together with a target vehicle travel distance determined based on the current speed of the target vehicle and the maximum braking rate capability of the target vehicle.