The principal objective of this research project was to model, simulate, and interpret flows on two-lane highways in which vehicle types of a wide variety were properly represented. The approach taken to attain this objective included, among other factors, an accurate representation of vehicle acceleration capabilities, driver use of vehicle capabilities, driver behaviour in passing opportunities, and estimates of the frequencies with which each vehicle type appears. Information was also sought concerning the effect oversize vehicles have on the service and safety provided to other highway users. Special attention was devoted to the safety measures employed in the movement of oversize loads. The acceleration and speed-maintenance capabilities of a wide range of vehicles were determined with performance tests and analyses of data in the literature. A computer simulation was developed based on field measurements and data. This simulation was applied to determine equivalencies and to explore the accident implications of the two-lane, two-way traffic situations. (Author/publisher)
Abstract