Abstract
This article is concerned with the behavior of drivers of heavy-duty vehicles in following the preceding cars. It has been analyzed using a driver model. We first focus on a way for drivers to obtain information so that they can longitudinally control their vehicles. The model is used to describe the two kinds of control methods for drivers; the first is feed-forward, and the second is feed-back. Using multiple regression analysis, the feed-forward model was constructed taking the time-delay and the cut-off frequency of information into consideration. A feed-back model for information that cannot be described by feed-forward control was also constructed. Using a combination of the feed-forward and the feed-back model, a fore-and-aft control model was constructed, and we found that the driver model could provide a good description of the actual driver behavior. Finally, major factors involved in getting control information to the driver are clarified using factor analysis.