Traffic Management Implications of Overtaking Assistance Automated Vehicles Mixed with Human-driven Vehicles

Automated vehicles (AVs) are widely regarded as a transformative force in the future of transportation. The market for AVs has been rapidly evolving over the past decades. This has driven researchers to explore and investigate AV impacts on road networks. Several studies have examined the implications of overtaking assistance (OA) systems for transportation. Nonetheless, few have taken a comprehensive approach to the effects of OA-equipped vehicles (Overtaking AVs) on traffic management and safety. Both NHTSA and SAE classify OA systems as level 1 automation. However, the performance of Overtaking AVs' performance under each simulated scenario can offer insights into the capabilities of higher automation levels. This study evaluates the impact of Overtaking AVs on traffic management, demonstrating significant improvements in road capacity (39%), average speed (36%), and traffic flow (53%) with increased Overtaking AV penetration. The benefits stem from Overtaking AVs' enhanced decision-making and lane-change efficiency. However, real-world challenges like sensor limitations, infrastructure readiness and driver compliance, require further investigation. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and transportation planners to facilitate the progressive adoption of OA technologies, ultimately laying the groundwork for safer, more efficient road networks.