Advancements in traffic simulation for enhanced road safety: A review

Abstract

Traffic simulation techniques play a crucial role in transportation engineering, offering a sophisticated framework for analysing the intricate dynamics within transportation systems. This paper thoroughly reviews the latest developments in traffic simulation techniques and their applications in improving road safety. Drawing from a comprehensive analysis of recent literature from the Scopus database spanning 2014 to 2024, this review highlights the various analytic methods employed in traffic simulation and their practical applications. Focusing mainly on microsimulation techniques, the study underscores their ability to provide proactive and reactive surrogate safety measures, offering stakeholders valuable insights into traffic safety dynamics. Leveraging methodologies such as microsimulation modelling, surrogate safety measures, statistical model creation, simulation-based conflict prediction, and sensitivity analysis, contemporary research aims to address safety concerns comprehensively. However, the absence of comprehensive crash simulation models presents a significant challenge, raising doubts about the efficacy of traffic simulation in road safety assessment. To overcome this challenge, interdisciplinary research is essential to develop practical solutions that harness technological advancements and foster collaboration across domains. By overcoming existing limitations and refining methodologies, researchers can pave the way for more robust and comprehensive approaches to traffic safety evaluation, contributing significantly to the global goal of enhancing road safety.