Driver Behavior Fault Analysis on Ramp-related Crashes/Near-Crashes Using SHRP 2 Naturalistic Driving Study Data

Abstract

Unsafe driver behavior has been a major concern for traffic safety. Limited studies were conducted for driver behavior analysis on ramp-related areas due to limited data. The advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, such as connected-vehicles, are helpful to reduce driver behavior fault. However, considering the numerous ramps in the road network in the United States, priority of ITS deployment needs to be given to those sites with a high risk of having driver behavior fault. This paper analyzed the role of driver behavior fault in crashes/near-crashes on ramp-related areas with the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS) data. A total of 428 crash/near-crash records and 100 baseline events (normal driving) were extracted from the database. It is found that driver behavior fault is the most important factor in the occurrence of crashes/near-crashes on ramp-related areas. Driver distraction is the most common types of driver behavior faults leading to crash/near-crash. The influence of different factors on driver behavior fault was also examined. Gender and Level of Service (LOS) were found highly related to unsafe driver behavior. Female drivers were more likely to have unsafe driver behavior at ramp-related areas. The LOS did not impact driver behavior significantly until the traffic was congested. It is recommended to initially deploy connected-vehicle devices at the sites with heavy traffic volume.