Effects of Rightmost Lane Avoidance Phenomenon on Road Performance and Safety: A Case Study in Türkiye
Abstract
The lane selection tendencies of drivers and vehicle distribution across lanes on multi-lane highways significantly influence road performance and safety. This study investigates the "Rightmost Lane Avoidance Phenomenon" (RLAP), a common traffic behavior on multi-lane highways in Turkey, and evaluates its impact on road efficiency and safety. Traffic data were collected from a highway section where RLAP is prevalent, and analyses were conducted using a calibrated SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) microsimulation model. Key performance indicators included vehicle delays and lane-specific traffic density, while safety was assessed using surrogate safety measures like "Time to Collision." The results reveal that RLAP severely affects road performance and safety, with the phenomenon increasing the risk of safety-critical incidents nearly fourfold compared to ideal conditions. Among vehicle types, passenger cars and buses traveling at higher speeds are disproportionately impacted. This study is the first to comprehensively analyze RLAP, emphasizing its adverse consequences on road networks. Findings provide critical insights into the challenges posed by RLAP and highlight the need for targeted strategies to mitigate its effects. The study lays a foundation for future research aimed at understanding and addressing RLAP, contributing to enhanced traffic management and improved road safety outcomes.
Keywords
Lane utilization, Road safety, Multi-lane highways, SUMO, Simulation, Turkiye
Ethical Statement
Competing interests The author declares no competing interests
Author contributions The paper is sole authored.
Thanks
The authors would like to acknowledge the General Directorate of Highways of Turkey for providing the traffic data used in this study
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