Citation

Luoma J. Transp. Res. Rec. 1995; 1485: 71-79.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A study was designed (a) to develop an initial set of measures to observe driver behavior in different countries and (b) to compare driver behavior in Finland with driver behavior in Michigan by using these measures. Development of the measures emphasized equating environmental factors and traffic rules. For such conditions the study produced a reliable research tool providing potentially valuable results. The measures were applied in one middle-sized city in both regions, Lahti in Finland and Ann Arbor in Michigan. The results indicated the following main differences in driver behavior. Drivers in Lahti (compared with those in Ann Arbor) signaled more frequently before the lane change or turning and came to a full stop at intersections with a stop sign more frequently. The following trends were found: drivers in Lahti exceeded the speed limit more frequently but decreased the speed earlier while approaching the intersection from the secondary road, accelerated more slowly after turning onto the secondary road, and accepted slightly longer gaps when entering the main road. The following aspects of driver behavior did not differ in the two cities: the variance of the speed in free-flow traffic, the proportion of short headways in car-following situations, the frequency of no stops compared with rolling and full stops at intersections with a stop sign, and yielding to pedestrians at intersections. The differences that were found are likely consequences of differences in values and norms.

Language: en

Keywords

Automobile drivers; Intersections; Highway traffic control; Motor transportation; Behavioral research