Analysis of drivers' behavior under reduced visibility conditions using a Structural Equation Modeling approach

    Authors

    H. M. Hassan;M. A. Abdel-Aty

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Transp. Res. Pt. F-Traffic Psychol. Behav.

    Keywords

    Drivers behavior; Reduced visibility; Warning messages; Changeable; message signs; Variable speed limit signs; Structural Equation Modeling; INFORMATION; DECISIONS; Psychology, Applied; Transportation

    Abstract

    One way to improve safety under reduced visibility conditions (i.e., reduce the chances of visibility related crashes) is to improve drivers' behavior under such adverse weather conditions. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly examine drivers' responses under low visibility conditions and quantify the impacts and values of various factors found to be related to drivers' compliance and drivers' satisfaction with variable speed limit (VSL) and changeable message signs (CMS) instructions in different visibility, traffic conditions, and on two types of roadways; freeways and two-lane roads. The data used for the analyses were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire survey carried out among 566 drivers in Central Florida, USA. To achieve these goals, Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approaches were adopted. The results revealed that drivers' satisfaction with VSL/CMS was the most significant factor that positively affected drivers' compliance with advice or warning messages displayed on VSL/CMS under different fog conditions followed by human factors. Moreover, it was found that roadway type affected drivers' compliance to VSL instructions under medium and heavy fog conditions. Furthermore, drivers' familiarity with VSL and human factors were the significant factors affecting drivers' satisfaction with VSL/CMS advice under reduced visibility conditions. Based on the findings of the present study, several recommendations are suggested as guidelines to improve drivers' behavior in such reduced visibility conditions by enhancing drivers' compliance with VSL/CMS instructions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Transportation Research Part F-Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

    Volume

    14

    Issue/Number

    6

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    614

    Last Page

    625

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000297442800018

    ISSN

    1369-8478

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