Theory and simulation for jamming transitions induced by a slow vehicle in traffic flow

We study the jamming transitions induced by a slow vehicle in a single-lane vehicular traffic. We use the dynamic model in which the normal vehicle allows to pass the slow vehicle just behind it with a probability. The fundamental diagram (flow density) changes highly by introducing a slow vehicle on a single-lane roadway. The spatio-temporal patterns are shown for the distinct traffic states. The dynamical state of traffic changes with increasing density. It is found that there are the three distinct states for the single-lane traffic flow including a slow vehicle. It is shown that the dynamical transitions among the distinct states occur at two values of density. The jamming transitions are analyzed theoretically. The transition points and fundamental diagram obtained by the theory agree with the simulation result. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.