Methods for Improving the Flow of Traffic

We describe a distributed and self-regulated approach for the self-organisation of a large system of many self-driven, mobile objects, i.e., cars in traffic. Based on methods for mobile ad-hoc networks using short-distance communication between vehicles, and ideas from distributed algorithms, we consider reactions to specific traffic structures (e.g., traffic jams.) Building on current models from traffic physics, we are able to develop strategies that significantly improve the flow of congested traffic. Results include fuel savings up to 40% for cars in stop-and-go traffic; we present a number of simulation results illustrating the underlying mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the organic structure of urban traffic, and hint at how self-healing methods can lead to improvements in rush-hour traffic.