A simple stochastic cellular automaton for synchronized traffic flow

We present a very simple stochastic traffic cellular automaton (CA) model to reproduce synchronized traffic. This model aims to be nearly as simple as the well-known Nagel–Schreckenberg model, but to overcome to shortcomings of the latter: The Nagel–Schreckenberg model (NaSch) and its variants achieve collision-free driving by explicitly allowing for unlimited braking capabilities. However, it is rather natural to view the collision-free traffic flow as a consequence of moderate driving instead of infinite braking capabilities. Therefore, our new CA model limits the vehicles’ acceleration and deceleration rates to realistic values. Moreover, our model is able to reproduce several important features of synchronized traffic flow.