Modeling Driver Behavior in a Connected Environment: Integrated Microscopic Simulation of Traffic and Mobile Wireless Telecommunication Systems

Connected and autonomous vehicles will influence the future of the surface transportation system by enhancing safety, improving mobility, reducing energy consumption, and controlling emissions. The real-time information provided by connected vehicles technology allows drivers to become more aware of the surrounding traffic conditions and to maneuver safely and more efficiently. Furthermore, when coupled with onboard sensing technologies, the connected vehicles technology can improve the efficiency and the reliability of a driverless transportation network. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation framework to model driver behavior in a connected driving environment with connected vehicles. The framework, which consists of a microscopic traffic simulator integrated with a discrete-event communications network simulator, Network Simulator 3, forms a basis for exploration of the properties of the resulting traffic systems and assessment of the system-level impacts of these technologies. Furthermore, the connectivity of a vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications network was investigated with the FHWA Next Generation Simulation: US-101 Highway data set (to represent vehicular movements in a highway environment). It was found that signal interference can result in information loss and partial connectivity. Finally, through the implementation of a speed harmonization algorithm, the paper discusses the importance of consideration of telecommunications along with vehicular movements to investigate the effects of connected vehicle applications on mobility and emissions.