Modifications of the optimal velocity traffic model to include delay due to driver reaction time

Straightforward inclusion of a delay time due to driver reaction time in the optimal velocity (OV) model reveals an unphysical sensitivity to driver reaction times. For delay times of nearly 1 s, which are typical for most drivers, oscillations in vehicle velocity induced by encountering a slower vehicle grow until limited by non-linear effects. Simulations demonstrate that unrealistically small delay times are needed for lengthy platoons of vehicles to avoid collisions. This is a serious limitation of the OV model. Other models, such as the inertial car-following model, allow somewhat larger delay times, but also show unphysical effects. Modifications of the OV model to overcome this deficiency are demonstrated. In addition, unphysical short-period oscillations of vehicle velocity are eliminated by introducing partial car-following into the model. Traffic jams are caused primarily by the delay due to driver reaction time in the modified OV model. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.