DRIVER BEHAVIOR MODEL OF MERGING

A model of freeway merging is developed based on driver behavior. The model proposes that a ramp driver accepts a gap based on the first order motion vectors of an approaching vehicle, which perceptually is angular velocity. This function simultaneously accounts for relative velocity and distance separation. The total model includes driver behavior on the ramp, steering control onto and on the speed change lane, acceleration, gap search, and an abort zone. The model was tested on 102 merges on both a curved ramp and a tangent connector to the speed change lane. The results indicated that an angular velocity model did explain the merge decision point and that drivers used an angular velocity threshold criterion. Using the model, it was possible to estimate the speed change lane length necessary for the ramp driver to find an acceptable gap 85 percent of the time. This length increased with decreasing ramp design speed, but decreased with increasing volume. In general, a speed change lane length of 800 ft is sufficient to ensure an acceptable gap 85 percent of the time for all freeway volumes over 1,200 passenger cars/lane/hour and ramp design speeds over 30 mph, assuming an acceleration capability of the ramp vehicle of greater than 1.5 ft/sq sec.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1989/1213/1213-002.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=DRIVER+BEHAVIOR+MODEL+OF+MERGING&author=R.+Michaels&author=J.+Fazio&publication_year=1989
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309048095
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1213, Human Performance and Highway Visibility: Design, Safety, and Methods. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Michaels, Richard M
  • Fazio, Joseph
• Publication Date: 1989

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 4-10
• Monograph Title: Human performance and highway visibility: design, safety, and methods
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1213
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Angular velocity; Behavior; Design speed; Drivers; Gap acceptance; Interchange ramps; Length; Mathematical models; Mechanical acceleration; Merging traffic; Speed change lanes; Steering; Traffic volume
• Uncontrolled Terms: Models
• Old TRIS Terms: Freeway ramps; Steering control
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00492051
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309048095
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 31 1990 12:00AM