An analysis of the interactions between vehicle groups at intersections under mixed traffic flow conditions

抄録

Grouping behavior is a unique characteristic of the mixed traffic with the dominance of motorcycles. At two-phased signalized and non-signalized intersections in Hanoi city there are increasingly serious conflicts between vehicles groups, especially between the unprotected left-turn and straight-go groups, thereby reducing traffic speeds and increasing accidents. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of the inter-group interactions and suggest measures to manage the intersections. First, a general analysis was conducted to initially understand the interactive strategies by each group and determinant factors. Then, a gap acceptance model was developed to deeply analyze the gap decision-making process by the left-turn groups and capture behavioral differences between the motorcyclists and car divers who lead the groups. The study found that the total gap, which combines the longitudinal and lateral gaps, strongly influenced the gap decision of both the drivers. Interestingly, the number of motorcycles in the left-turn group could make its leading motorcyclists more aggressive. The leading car drivers appeared to be sensitive to the expected waiting time while the motorcyclists did not.