Assessment of Rural Road Simulation Tools

This research investigated the relative merits of various simulation packages (in particular TRARR, TWOPAS and PARAMICS) for modelling vehicle interactions on rural highways. It assessed their suitability for use as tools for evaluating crash risk and travel efficiency, particularly in the prediction of vehicle speeds and bunching in typical highway situations. All were found to have some strengths over the others for particular project applications. A review was also made of recent or developing models of rural crash risks (including IHSDM) and their potential application in New Zealand considered. Although the underlying methodologies appear promising, most would require further adaptation for the New Zealand environment