The interplay of passing, driver attention, and cyber attack-induced information delays on traffic stability

With the growing integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in modern vehicles, cybersecurity threats present substantial risks to traffic stability and safety. This study introduces an advanced car-following model that accounts for the effects of passing, driver attention, and information delays caused by cyberattacks, and investigates their impact on traffic dynamics within ADAS systems. To understand how perturbations evolve over time, stability analysis is performed. Linear stability analysis identifies the conditions for neutral stability, while nonlinear analysis , using the reductive perturbation method, reveals stable, metastable, and unstable traffic states. The results show that a lower passing rate slightly reduces congestion while maintaining the same flow pattern, whereas a higher passing rate leads to a transition from congested to chaotic flow. Our findings also suggest that cyber intrusions exacerbate instability, while information from leading vehicles helps to enhance stability. Random, variable cyberattack intensity on vehicles is found to be more detrimental to stability than a constant, uniform impact, making traffic flow more unpredictable. Furthermore, spectral entropy is used to quantify traffic disruptions caused by cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of driver attention and information exchange in mitigating instability. This study provides valuable insights into the interaction between cybersecurity and traffic stability, contributing to the development of more resilient ADAS-based transportation systems. • A new car-following model is proposed considering passing and driver’s attention toward nearby vehicles for Advanced Driving Assistance Systems vehicles (ADAS) vehicles under cyberattack. • Linear and non-linear analysis results are supported by simulation. • The driver’s attention to the average velocity of nearby vehicles and passing is recognized as the most significant factor in maintaining traffic stability. • The effect of passing on traffic stability is complex. Small passing maneuvers are observed to contribute positively to traffic stability. However, excessive passing, especially at high rates, leads to chaotic conditions on the road. • It is noted that a driver’s focus on the average speed of the vehicles around them is crucial in keeping traffic stable during both passing and cyberattack scenarios.