A CAR-FOLLOWING SIMULATION MODEL

This paper describes a model which attempts to simulate the more significant characteristics of a car-following driver/vehicle system. It is felt that the approach, which involves control system theory techniques, is appealing for several reasons. The elements of the model correspond well with the elements of the actual driver/vehicle situation. For example, a threshold on the perception of closing rate is simulated by a deadband on the rate signal. Also, advantage can be taken of the techniques and experience developed over the last few decades in control system engineering. However, even with the insights provided by working in the frequency domain, the modelling task is difficult. The model was implemented by a computer program which output time histories of driver/vehicle response to step perturbations. The major parameters which were varied were related to response time, perception threshold and sensitivities. Some of the results of this study were surprising; some were much as expected. The major overall results were a little better feeling for the system parameter effects, a realisation of the many shortcomings of the model, and a better appreciation of the task of the much-maligned car driver. (A). /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410683
• Corporate Authors:

  Printerhall Limited

  29 Newmart Street
  London W1P 3PE,   England 
• Authors:
  • Lloyd, F H
  • Gerlough, D L
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 6 p.
• Serial:
  • Traffic Engineering & Control
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Hemming Group, Limited
  • ISSN: 0041-0683
  • Serial URL: http://www.tecmagazine.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Computer programs; Control systems; Drivers; Mathematical models; Motor reactions; Perception; Reaction time; Simulation; Spacing; Vehicle spacing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver reaction; Models; Parameters
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver perception
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 1772: Driver; 6205: Model (not math); 2247: Reaction (human); 9103: Simulation; 8645: Software; 694: Vehicle spacing
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I71: Traffic Theory;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00138949
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 17 1976 12:00AM