Random walk theory of jamming in a cellular automaton model for traffic flow

The jamming behavior of a single lane traffic model based on a cellular aut omaton approach is studied. Our investigations concentrate on the so-called VDR model which is a simple generalization of the well-known Nagel-Schreck enberg model. In the VDR model one finds a separation between a free flow p hase and jammed vehicles. This phase separation allows to use random walk l ike arguments to predict the resolving probabilities and lifetimes of jam c lusters or disturbances. These predictions are in good agreement with the r esults of computer simulations and even become exact for a special case of the model. Our findings allow a deeper insight into the dynamics of wide ja ms occuring in the model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V. All lights reserve d.