Car-Following Models Study Progress

Car-following model is the vital portion of traffic flow theory which is the foundation for simulation, capacity, control, safety, and ITS. A scientific traffic flow model can properly deal with the severe conflicts between traffic application and demand , efficiently analyse and solve some actual traffic matters. Since the last decade of 20th century , researchers on various fields have recognized the complexity of traffic flow which has attracted many traffic scientists, mathematicians, physicists and economists into this area. The paper reviews the recent discoveries on and development of car-following model theories, and analyzes the main differences between the researchers from the micro-modeling. In the light of research practices and investigating the differences and relations of these research methods, we put forward some new views for further study of car following models.