The modified safe clustering algorithm for vehicular ad hoc networks

Road accidents can be reduced through the implementation of Cooperative Collision Warning Systems (CCWS). However, several issues due to the dynamic nature of VANETs disrupt the efficiency of safety message dissemination. Clustering is a common solution applied to overcome VANET challenges. If a Cluster Head is exposed to accidents, it would lose its role and disband the cluster. When re-clustering happens frequently, a greater amount of overhead is produced. This work presents a modified version of the original Safe Clustering Algorithm (M-SCA) whereby safety distance is applied in the cluster maintenance stage to extend the cluster phase. NS2 simulation is conducted to measure the performance of the proposed scheme under QoS parameters, emergency message inter-arrival time, and overhead.