On how breaking traffic rules affects vehicle flow

Abstract

Traffic flow simulations typically assume that all drivers follow traffic rules, except for minor deviations. However, in many countries, drivers often deviate significantly from these rules, leading to dense and chaotic traffic conditions. Our study examines the impact of violating traffic rules on vehicle flow using a simplified model based on observations of drivers in Lima, Peru. We found that a moderate breaking of some specific rules could enhance traffic flow, surpassing scenarios where everyone adheres strictly to the rules. Nevertheless, either excessive rule-breaking or violations of certain key rules might substantially decrease the overall system speed.