This paper explores the “lane-changing preparation process,” defined as the synchronization process, from a new, integrated perspective. A comprehensive study was conducted to analyze the behavioral characteristics of the speed synchronization process of merging vehicles from entrance ramps by tracking their trajectories in the merge lanes. On the basis of gap selection, merging vehicles were classified as either original gap type or overtaking type, and the existence of speed synchronization was proved by comparing the speed differences of merging vehicles in relation to the putative leader (PL) and the putative follower (PF) vehicles. Several rules of merging vehicles during speed synchronization were established in the behavioral study. The merging vehicles tended to maintain a speed 5 to 7 m/s higher than the speed of the PL so as to overtake unsatisfied gaps in the adjacent through lane. When those vehicles intended to accept a gap, they first adjusted their speeds to be within a 2-m/s difference from their PL and PF vehicles and then merged into the targeted gap within 2 to 3 s. Factors affecting drivers' tolerance of their speed with PL and PF vehicles were modeled with the multiregression method. Significant effects in speed synchronization include the number of rejected gaps, acceleration or deceleration, the speed difference between the PL and the PF, the time headway, the remaining distance in the auxiliary lane, and whether the PL is a merged vehicle. Results from this study may contribute to the understanding of the complex lane-changing behavior in microscopic traffic flow modeling.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Speed Synchronization Process of Merging Vehicles from the Entrance Ramp


    Subtitle :

    Empirical Analysis


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:
    Wan, Xia (author) / Jin, Peter J. (author) / Zheng, Liang (author) / Cheng, Yang (author) / Ran, Bin (author)


    Publication date :

    2013-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Operational effects of some entrance ramp geometrics on freeway merging

    Wattleworth, J.A. / Buhr, J.H. / Drew, D.R. et al. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1967


    RAMP MERGING ASSISTANCE

    WANG ZIRAN / HAN KYUNGTAE / TIWARI PRASHANT | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Improved Virtual Vehicles Design for On-Ramp Cooperative Merging

    Shihui, Wang / Min, Zhao / Dihua, Sun et al. | IEEE | 2025