Analysis of driver Lane-Changing behavior under the influence of truck platoons at highway Exits: A driving simulation study

With the rise of truck platooning for improved fuel efficiency and road usage, new challenges have emerged for drivers at highway exits where truck platoons can create significant barriers, acting like moving walls that prevent safe lane changes for exiting vehicles due to their length and position. This study investigates driver lane-changing and off-ramp behaviors near highway exits under the influence of truck platoons. Using a driving simulation experiment, the impact of varying truck platoon gaps and different lateral distributions on driver decisions was analyzed. The CART algorithm, XGboost, and other predictive models for developing lane-changing decisions were analyzed and compared. Based on the interpretability and predictability of these models, further analysis was conducted on the degree of influence of variables on decision-making. Key findings indicate that larger platoon gaps increase merging rates and driver confidence in overtaking, while smaller gaps lead to more late lane changes and conservative behaviors. The speed difference between the vehicle and the truck platoon and the distance between the vehicle and the tail truck of the platoon have the greatest impact on the driver lane-changing decisions. Insights from this study can inform the design of truck platooning strategies and driver assistance systems, ultimately enhancing traffic efficiency and safety at highway exits.