[#17-5170] A Game Theoretical Approach to Model Decision Making for Merging Maneuvers at Freeway On-ramps Authors: Kyungwon K. and Hesham A. R. Session 848 (on Wednesday, 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM) Paper Objective The objective of this study is to model the decision-making process for merging maneuvers using a game theoretical approach. Model Development and Evaluation The proposed game model defines action strategies for the drivers of the subject and lag vehicles. The corresponding payoff functions for both players were formulated in consideration of five decision factors (i.e., safety, travel time, travel efficiency, etc.). The Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) data were extracted as decision-making points and classified for identification of player’s action strategies. The model was calibrated and validated with the NGSIM datasets. Conclusions The study modeled the merging decision-making process using a game theoretical approach. The model realistically captures merging maneuvers.