Vehicle Lane Changing Strategy for the Dilemma Zone Problem

A lane changing strategy for vehicles facing the dilemma zone problem is proposed to increase the possibility that vehicles in multi-lane traffic can cross an intersection without being caught in the dilemma zone. With the impacts of vehicle-vehicle interaction, especially for car-following safety on lane changing behavior, conditions needed for vehicles performing lane changing are indicated. The decision algorithm for lane changing is presented as is a method of calculating the minimum longitudinal acceleration rate for vehicles that would have been caught in the dilemma zone at the onset of a yellow light clearing the intersection. Simulation results show that the proposed lane changing strategy satisfies driver comfort and vehicle safety. It was found that, according to the decision algorithm, vehicles can perform lane changing behavior at the right time and cross the intersection without dilemma risk and time delay.