Examination of Platooning Variables on Two-Lane Highways Having Mixed Traffic Situation

Abstract

AbstractFrequent formation of platoon on a road exhibit the poor performance of a specific roadway facility. Present study examined different platooning variables to identify the principal variable which is responsible for frequent formation of platoon and poor level of service (LOS) on two-lane roads. Consequently, a speed difference (SD) range of −4 to +10 km/h between successive vehicles was found appropriate to identify the follower and non-follower. Different gap values (i.e. between successive vehicles) ranging from 1.9 to 4.3 s were observed across all the selected locations by utilizing gap acceptance curve method ahead of which the possibility of vehicles to travel at their desired speed will increase. A number of relationships were developed among all the platooning variables and performance parameters. Results are depicting that two-way traffic volume is the principal parameter that affects the LOS of the specific roadway facility. Among the entire performance parameters, some specific performance parameters which signify the following vehicles were found to exhibit a significant correlation with principal platooning variable. Consequently, different LOS ranges were proposed by considering NFPC and FD as appropriate parameters for two-lane intercity highways under mixed traffic situations.KeywordsFollowing vehicleSpeed differencePlatooningCut-off gap valueLevel of service