Inter-vehicle gap statistics on signal-controlled crossroads

TL;DR

This paper models the distribution of inter-vehicle gaps at signal-controlled crossroads using a thermodynamical approach, revealing that congestion leads to a thermal-balance distribution similar to particles in a thermodynamic gas.

Contribution

It introduces a one-dimensional thermodynamical model that accurately describes inter-vehicle spacing during traffic congestion at signal-controlled intersections.

Findings

Inter-vehicle spacing follows a thermal-balance distribution.

Model matches empirical data with high accuracy.

High inverse temperature correlates with strong congestion.

Abstract

We investigate a microscopical structure in a chain of cars waiting at a red signal on signal-controlled crossroads. Presented is an one-dimensional space-continuous thermodynamical model leading to an excellent agreement with the data measured.Moreover, we demonstrate that an inter-vehicle spacing distribution disclosed in relevant traffic data agrees with the thermal-balance distribution of particles in the thermodynamical traffic gas (discussed in [1]) with a high inverse temperature (corresponding to a strong traffic congestion). Therefore, as we affirm, such a system of stationary cars can be understood as a specific state of the traffic sample operating inside a congested traffic stream.