A Combined Simulation Approach to Evaluate Overtaking Behaviour on Two-Lane Two-Way Rural Roads

A significant percentage of road fatalities and injuries occur in the nonmotorway rural network. One main causes accidents on these roads is represented by overtaking, as, its nature, it involves a risk head-on collision with oncoming traffic. The paper describes combined simulation approach (driving simulator traffic microsimulation) designed to examine influence different conditions passing manoeuvres two-lane two-way roads. focus was evaluation end manoeuvre because reflects collision. In addition, study aimed assess usefulness proposed ability proactively quickly diagnose safety problems consequently evaluate appropriate solutions. data collected an interactive driving sample 54 participants have been used adjust some input microsimulation software. specific situation consisting stationary heavy vehicle obstructing entire lane repeated both experiments. analyses focused time-to-collision (TTC), defined as remaining gap between at manoeuvre. results showed that type performed significantly influenced condition. Furthermore, two successive vehicles opposite lanes. Focusing manoeuvre, found how increase leads reduction TTC values. comparative analysis conducted recorded following those obtained using exclusively software supports methodology for conducting analyses, especially complex environments where drivers’ behaviour plays decisive role.