Modeling Effects of Driver Control Assistance Systems on Traffic

Abstract

A set of mathematical models is defined to predict the effects of emerging driver control assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) on traffic flow dynamics and capacity. It is important to understand these effects in order to ensure that ACC systems are implemented in ways that improve, rather than degrade, traffic conditions. Existing traffic models were not designed for, and are not suitable for, this purpose, so it has been necessary to develop a new family of simulation models incorporating the key elements of driver behavior and control system design that will affect traffic flow dynamics and capacity. Example outputs from simulation validation test cases are illustrated and explained to show that the models are producing reasonable results.