Simulating and modelling the safety impact of connected and autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic: platoon size, sensor error, and path choice
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Published version
Author(s)
Papadoulis, Alkis
Imprialou, Marianna
Feng, Yuxiang
Quddus, Mohammed
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The lack of real-world data on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) has prompted researchers to rely on simulations to assess their societal impacts. However, few studies address the operational and technological challenges of integrating CAVs into existing transport systems. This paper introduces a new CAV driving model featuring a constant time gap longitudinal control algorithm that accounts for sensor errors and platoon formations of varying sizes. Additionally, it develops a high-level route-based decision-making algorithm for CAV path choice. These algorithms were tested in a calibrated motorway corridor simulation, examining different market penetration rates, platoon sizes, and sensor error scenarios. Traffic conflicts were used as a primary safety performance indicator. The findings indicate that CAV sensors are generally adequate, but optimal platoon sizes vary with market penetration rates. To further explore factors influencing traffic conflicts, a hierarchical Bayesian negative binomial regression model was used. This model revealed that in addition to unobserved heterogeneity and spatial autocorrelation, the standard deviation of speeds between lanes and the CAV market penetration rate significantly affect conflict occurrences. These results corroborate the simulation outcomes, enhancing our understanding of CAV deployment impacts on traffic safety.
Date Issued
2024-06
Date Acceptance
2024-05-24
Citation
Machines, 2024, 12 (6)
ISSN
2075-1702
Publisher
MDPI AG
Journal / Book Title
Machines
Volume
12
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/machines12060371
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
371
Date Publish Online
2024-05-27