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How human drivers control their vehicle

Peter Wagner

physics.soc-pharXiv:physics/0601058

Abstract

The data presented here show that human drivers apply a discrete noisy control mechanism to drive their vehicle. A car-following model built on these observations, together with some physical limitations (crash-freeness, acceleration), led to non-Gaussian probability distributions in the speed difference and distance which are in good agreement with empirical data. All model parameters have a clear physical meaning and can be measured. Despite its apparent complexity, this model is simple to understand and might serve as a starting point to develop even quantitatively correct models.

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