Traffic Simulation with Consideration of Driver Models, Theory and Examples

Abstract

SUMMARY In the last five years the IKA (Institut für Kraftfahrwesen Aachen) and BMW created the microscopic traffic simulation program PELOPS. It simulates the traffic flow on motorways with a specific view on vehicle affairs. One application for PELOPS was the assessment of ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems inside the PROMETHEUS program. It was shown, that PELOPS is a powerful tool for the analysis of new technologies. A new research period will extend the use of ACC about the functionality in urban areas. This requires an extension of PELOPS about some specific models. With this extension it is possible, to analyse new traffic technologies for the individual vehicles or the infrastructure. In a first step, PELOPS is extended about functions for suburban areas. This effects mainly the modelling of the driver behaviour. The driver behaviour is related to the traffic situation. In contrast to the normal traffic flow on motorways, the driver has to stop and go in the suburban area, he has to control lower distances and he has to react on other vehicles on cross-roads. New concepts for these functions are included in PELOPS and calibrated by detailed traffic data from a video observation and floating car measurements in the surrounding of Aachen. Based on the traffic measurement near Aachen, different scenarios are simulated to improve the traffic flow and to relieve the environment. These scenarios include ACC systems, inter-vehicle-communication and intelligent traffic lights. The paper shows some information's about the simulation technic and the results from the described analysis.