Exploring methods and potential enhancements for regulating pedestrian crossings and priority regulations in Vissim traffic simulation software
Abstract
In our research we examined the operation of the Vissim traffic simulation software in the vicinity of a pedestrian crossing. Our primary focus was on presenting the functioning principles of priority regulation methods, comparing them, identifying their shortcomings, and demonstrating potential areas for improvement. While Vissim offers two fundamental modes for regulating priority – creating conflict zones and establishing priority rules – these modes do not adequately address issues such as failure to yield priority or pedestrians'
distance-based crossing decisions. Therefore, we adopted a novel approach, employing loop detectors at 10-meter distance intervals to detect vehicles and implemented signal logic based on detector data to simulate pedestrians' distance-based crossing decisions. We implemented real and measured pedestrian decision-making mechanisms into the software environment, then validated the modifications made in the program and evaluated their effects on simulation parameters (execution time, accuracy). The developed new approach better approximates reality, thus enhancing the quality of traffic simulations.
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