Modifications of the optimal velocity traffic model to include delay due to driver reaction time

Straightforward inclusion of a delay time due to driver reaction time in the optimal velocity (OV) model reveals an unphysical sensitivity to driver reaction times. For delay times of nearly 1s, which are typical for most drivers, oscillations in vehicle velocity induced by encountering a slower vehicle grow until limited by non-linear effects. Simulations demonstrate that unrealistically small delay times are needed for lengthy platoons of vehicles to avoid collisions. This is a serious limitation of the OV model. Other models, such as the inertial car-following model, allow somewhat larger delay times, but also show unphysical effects. Modifications of the OV model to overcome this deficiency are demonstrated. In addition, unphysical short-period oscillations of vehicle velocity are eliminated by introducing partial car-following into the model. Traffic jams are caused primarily by the delay due to driver reaction time in the modified OV model.