Evaluation of Car Following Driver Behavior: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faculty of Engineering, Bonab University, Bonab, Iran

Abstract

Investigating car-following driver behavior is essential for increasing traffic safety, optimizing transportation, and developing autonomous vehicle technology. This importance has made studying this behavior in complex traffic situations and in autonomous vehicles a key research topic. The present survey provides a comprehensive overview of driver behavior in car-following with a focus on the period from 2015 to 2025. The search involving all databases combined yielded 3,870 original articles, of which 10 relevant ones were included for detailed qualitative and comparative reading. The survey underscores important behavior variables: time headway, reaction time, braking behavior, and lane-changing behavior with disparate research approaches in driving simulators, naturalistic driving data, and simulation models. Empirical evidence is provided that driver distraction, hostile driving, and high-tech automated systems greatly affect car-following behavior and traffic safety. Additionally, the need for adaptable models is illustrated through the variations across regions and societies, influencing both parameter tuning and the cross-context applicability of car-following models. Sample size variation among studies provides evidence of the importance of combining detailed individual-level data with broader system-level analysis. The review identifies gaps in geographical range, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and calls for further studies combining naturalistic driving data and customized behavioral models to promote the safety and efficacy of car-following systems worldwide.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions
Volume 2, Issue 4
October 2026
Pages 60-68

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2026
  • First Publish Date: 23 April 2026

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