Multi-lane lane-changing model under the influence of heavy vehicles

This paper presents a new lane-changing model of multi-lane mixed traffic flow. The influences of heavy vehicles on lane-changing are analyzed. An improved accumulated speed benefit model is proposed in which drivers generate lane-changing intentions based on accumulated speed benefit of preceding vehicle in target lane over the preceding vehicle in current lane, not just relative to the speed and desired speed of subject vehicle. Drivers may accelerate or decelerate during lane-changing due to different traffic conditions. Simulations show that with the increase in the proportion of heavy vehicles, lane changing frequency first increases and then decreases. The model is validated with empirical data.