In this paper, we provide a literature review on road traffic simulators. We seek criteria for comparisons based on the identified properties of the simulators. Then, we compare 22 road traffic simulators according to 14 comparison criteria. All of this is summarized in tables. We compare road traffic simulators such as VISSIM, CAVSim, MATSIM, AIMSUN, etc. We use the same criteria like simulator functionality, license, flow mode, flexibility which present capacity for adaptability to other conditions, etc. This work enables us to select “Simulation of Urban MObility” (SUMO), a simulator that meets the needs of our study according to the defined criteria. We compare the data sources that the simulator can use to simulate road traffic. We tested the effectiveness of SUMO through three scenarios. The first assesses the impact of traffic light optimization on traffic flow during peak hours, the second evaluates travel time reduction by introducing bus lanes, and finally, the third examines the effect of increasing the number of regulated pedestrian crossings on traffic safety and flow. The results help understand traffic flow and provide strategic solutions to road infrastructure management policies. We utilize a new adaptive approach to modeling road networks in underdeveloped countries like Burkina Faso, which includes a high frequency of accidents and integrates donkey carts into traffic flow.