Modeling Driver Behavior During Merge Maneuvers
Cheng-Chen Kou and Randy B. Machemehl, University of Texas at Austin, September, 1997, 306 pp. (472840-00064-1)
The major objective of this study is to develop empirical methodologies for modeling ramp driver acceleration-deceleration and gap acceptance behavior during freeway merge maneuvers. A large quantity of freeway merge data were collected from several entrance ramps including both parallel and taper type acceleration lanes capturing a wide traffic flow range to suite different analysis purposes. Comprehensive freeway merge traffic analyses were conducted using the collected data. Both graphical presentations and independence tests in contingency tables indicated that ramp vehicle approach speeds, freeway flow levels, and speed differentials as well as time or distance gaps between ramp vehicles. Combination forms of these traffic parameters were found to be better indicators for modeling freeway merge driver behavior.
Keywords: Acceleration, Deceleration, Ramp Vehicles, Freeway Merge Process, Merge Position, Merge Acceleration Rate, Lag Vehicles, Lead Vehicles, Speed Differential, Angular Velocity, Calibration
ENTIRE REPORT (Adobe Acrobat File – 4.2 MB)