Effects of external cruise control and co-operative following on highways: an analysis with the MIXIC traffic simulation model

Various forms of advanced driver assistance systems have been developed and deployed by the automotive industry. These systems are generally regarded as a promising tool to alleviate congestion (by improving road network performance) and improve safety and driver´s comfort. Especially alleviating congestion and improving safety have the attention of the Dutch government. To assess the impact of advanced driver assistance systems on traffic flow and traffic safety the methodology of virtual technology assessment can be used. This methodology comprises modelling and computer simulation. The paper concerns the analysis of the concept of co-operative following (CF) and external cruise control (ECC) on highways with the microscopic traffic flow model MIXIC. The simulation of ECC in traffic flows shows a decrease in throughput and positive effects on safety when ECC is introduced. The simulation of CF led to the identification of those elements in the design of the CF system that are crucial for adequate functioning