PTV VISSIM Training

Driving Behaviour

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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR

❑ The accuracy of traffic simulation model is mainly

dependant on the quality of the vehicle modeling (e.g.
methodology of moving the vehicle through the
network).
❑ VISSIM uses the psycho-physical driver behavior
model developed by WIEDEMANN (1974).
❑ Driver iteratively accelerates and decelerates based on
his individual perception threshold (bumper to bumper
safety distance).

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 DRIVING BEHAVIOUR

➢ The driver of the preceding vehicle keeps the safety distance

more or less constant (car following).
➢ Not only react to preceding vehicles, also react to vehicles in
adjacent lanes (lateral distance).

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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR

❑ Stochastic distribution of speed and spacing threshold

replicate individual driver behavior characteristics.
❑ Every driver with his specific driving behavior characteristics
is assigned to a specific vehicle → Therefore driving
behavior corresponds to technical capabilities of his vehicles
❑ Each vehicle units dependant on
❑ Technical specification of vehicle
❑ Driver behavior of each vehicle unit
❑ Interaction with other vehicle units

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 VISSIM SIMULATION RESOLUTION

30 30
dx[m] dx[m]

25 25
Driver reacts
unconscious at higher
20
acceleration / 20
speed differences
deceleration
15 15

Larger
10 10
safety distance

5 5
Safety distance
dv[m/s] dv[m/s]
0 0
-1 0 1 2 3 -1 0 1 2 3

As a faster vehicle approaches a slower one, dx is never constant

 “Blue“ oscillation is larger  driver pays less attention to the preceding vehicle
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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR

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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR – Urban (Motorised)

Selection of car
following model
Defines the distance a
vehicle can forward to
react

Defines the distance a

vehicle can lookback to
react
Model parameters that
affects individual driver
unit perception threshold

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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR – Urban (Motorised)

Way of overtaking

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 DRIVING BEHAVIOUR – Urban (Motorised)

Desired position at Free Flow

Define overtaking
position and
minimum lateral
distance for all
vehicle types

Define which vehicle class to be overtaken

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DRIVING BEHAVIOUR – Freeway, Footpath

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How to define behaviour and display type of link

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How to define behaviour and display type of link

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How to define behaviour and display type of link

Can Show Behaviour

variations with
different link colours

Now create a new

Driving Behaviour

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