Title

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

Authors

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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