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Published on: December 18, 2020
Driver behaviours on rural highways with and without curbs - a driving simulator based study
Qiang Yang1, Ryan Overton, Lee D Han
1a Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering , The University of Tennessee , 72 Perkins Hall, Knoxville , TN 37996, USA.
Summary
Curbs on rural highways do not affect driver speed selection. However, drivers adjust lane positioning based on perceived risks from curbs and oncoming traffic, with available space being a critical factor.
Area of Science:
- Road safety engineering
- Human factors in transportation
- Traffic psychology
Background:
- Rural highways often have a 55 mph speed limit.
- Curbs on highways may necessitate lower speed limits due to risks of vehicular damage and injury.
- Concerns exist that reduced speed limits may confuse drivers, leading to unchanged driving speeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate driver behavior on two-lane rural highways.
- To analyze the impact of curb installation on driver behavior.
- To understand how various factors influence driving decisions.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using a high-fidelity driving simulator.
- Simulations included variations in speed limits, curb presence, lateral clearance, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions.
- Driver behavior was observed and analyzed under these diverse conditions.
Main Results:
- Driver behavior is complexly influenced by multiple interrelated factors.
- Curbs appear to have no direct impact on a driver's chosen speed.
- Drivers perceive risks associated with curbs and opposing traffic, influencing lane positioning.
- The space between the curb and oncoming traffic significantly affects driving behavior.
- Subjective driver perceptions play a crucial role in driving behavior.
Conclusions:
- Curbs do not directly alter driver speed choices on rural highways.
- Risk perception, particularly concerning curbs and traffic, guides lane positioning decisions.
- Adequate space between the curb and opposing traffic is essential for safe driving.
- Driver's subjective assessments are significant determinants of their on-road behavior.
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