Car-Following and Lane-Changing Behavior Involving Heavy Vehicles:

Abstract

This paper presents empirical findings on car-following and lane-changing behavior involving heavy vehicles; trajectory data from the next generation simulation program were used in the study. It was found that when following passenger cars, heavy vehicles tended to reduce speed variations caused by traffic disturbances and thereby dampened traffic oscillations. In contrast, passenger cars following heavy vehicles tended to amplify traffic disturbances, although with lower probability and magnitude compared with the dampening effect. Moreover, heavy vehicles tended to discourage lane changes, especially behind them. This finding has convoluted implications: although reduced lane changes can improve traffic stability by preventing or reducing disturbances, large gaps can persist behind heavy vehicles and contribute to underutilization of road capacity.