Simulation of Driver's Motional Behavior using an Optimization Process for Reducing the Risk of Collision

In this paper, the process of data collection and prepared simulation software which is used for simulating the traffic behavior is presented. The structure of two models is introduced. One of these models is based on separation of lane changing and car following, which is similar to the most models for studying the movement behavior of vehicles. Another model is combination of lane changing and car following models, which is based on optimization process of drivers to increase speed and decrease the accident risk. The latter is based on the driving realities in some countrie's like Iran where drivers usually do not pay enough attention to driving lanes.The evermore widespread use of microscopic traffic simulation in the analysis of road systems has refocused attention on sub models, including car following and lane changing models. In this research a microscopic model is developed which combines car following and lane changing models and describes driver behavior as a utility optimization process for increasing speed along with decreasing collision risk of drivers. These models has been simulated by a cellular automata simulator and compared with the real data. It has been shown that there is no reason to consider the proposed model invalid for driver's behavior in basic segments of freeways in Iran, during not congested conditions. Considering that uncertainty of position of vehicles is caused by their acceleration or deceleration, a probability function is calibrated for calculating the presence probability of vehicles in their feasible cells. Multiplying presence probability and impact of crash, crash risk of cells is calculated. In this paper, a micro simulation model has been presented in the basic freeway section of freeways. In this model, cellular automate has been used in which freeway is derived into individual cells. Each cell at a time is empty or occupied by only one vehicle, and movement of vehicles is described by their movements in the cells. A microscopic cellular simulation software is prepared for simulating the proposed model. Comparison between simulation and real data has shown that proposed model is valid for simulating the driver's behavior in Iran freeways.