A simulation-based benefit analysis of deploying connected vehicles using dedicated short range communication

In this research we utilize PARAMICS traffic micro-simulation software to study the impact of deploying Connected Vehicles (CV) in Deerfoot trail, Calgary, Alberta. We have implemented a V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) Assisted V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) system for PARAMICS. It uses Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) protocol to acquire traffic data, calculate and compare important traffic safety and mobility parameters and their impacts on CV by testing five scenarios differentiated by the percentage of 0% to 40% market penetration of CVs. Despite of previous studies which focused on upstream traffic, in this study we demonstrate effect of considering DSRC, re-routing guidance and advisory speed for upstream and downstream traffic. The study demonstrated that the CV technology can enhance traffic safety and mobility in freeways, if the percentage of CVs is significant (e.g. 30–40%) and the CV technology is accompanied by advisory speed reflected on Variable Message Signs (VMS) on both upstream and downstream of the incident location using DSRC range. In other words, equipping freeways with VMS, to use V2I communication, complements the CV technology, improves CV efficiency and leads to higher safety and mobility enhancement in freeways.