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Lane-changing strategies of autonomous vehicles and social dilemmas in mixed traffic: A simulation study

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  • Bykov, Nikita V.
  • Kostrov, Maksim A.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of different lane-changing strategies of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on traffic dynamics and social efficiency in mixed traffic conditions. We introduce a multi-agent traffic model based on a cellular automaton framework, incorporating human-driven vehicles (HDVs) and three types of AVs: non-lane-changing (AV), cooperative (AV-C), and permissive (AV-D). Each AV type follows distinct longitudinal and lateral rules under Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Cooperative ACC (CACC). The simulation results reveal that non-lane-changing AVs maximize traffic flow but struggle with obstacle avoidance. AV-C agents maintain platoon integrity, while AV-D agents improve maneuverability at the cost of platoon stability. We analyze the emergence of social dilemmas using the Social Efficiency Deficit (SED) metric and identify conditions under which individual rationality conflicts with global traffic performance. The findings highlight the need for hybrid control strategies and external incentives to support early-stage AV deployment and ensure cooperative equilibria.

Suggested Citation

  • Bykov, Nikita V. & Kostrov, Maksim A., 2025. "Lane-changing strategies of autonomous vehicles and social dilemmas in mixed traffic: A simulation study," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 677(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:677:y:2025:i:c:s0378437125005618
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2025.130909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jia, Dongyao & Ngoduy, Dong, 2016. "Enhanced cooperative car-following traffic model with the combination of V2V and V2I communication," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 172-191.
    2. Wu, Xuelian & Postorino, Maria Nadia & Mantecchini, Luca, 2024. "Impacts of connected autonomous vehicle platoon breakdown on highway," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 650(C).
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    5. Simão, Ricardo & Wardil, Lucas, 2021. "Social dilemma in traffic with heterogeneous drivers," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 561(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Bykov, Nikita V. & Kostrov, Maxim A., 2026. "Mitigating social dilemmas in public transport choice through autonomous vehicles on a homogeneous road link," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 681(C).

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