Abstract
This study aims to develop a modified version of the existing driving behaviour questionnaire (DBQ) by including items related to driving behaviour under rainy conditions to evaluate driving behaviour changes and their implications. A survey of 680 drivers in Iran was conducted with the modified DBQ considering rainy conditions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis concluded a four-factor solution (high velocity with a law violation, slips, positive and cautious behaviours, and aggressive driving behaviours) with a 52% explanation of variance. One of the most affected driving behaviours during rainfall is the tendency of high velocity with law violation behaviours. Compared to male drivers, female drivers showed lower high-velocity behaviours with law violation when driving in dry weather and in rainy weather. Married drivers have not only less tendency to drive fast or violate the law compared to single drivers but are also less susceptible to these actions during rain. It was observed that young drivers under 25 did not change their aggressive driving behaviours in rainy conditions. The results from this study are valuable resources to help transportation agencies to understand drivers’ likely behaviour in rainy conditions and develop appropriate countermeasures to minimize the risky behaviours. Also, since aggressive driving, high acceleration, and speed variance have been reported to result in high fuel consumption and emissions, the findings from this study are valuable resources to understand the relationship between weather, driver behaviour, and emissions in future studies.
Highlights
IntroductionEnvironment, transport infrastructure, human, and vehicle are important elements of the transportation system
Given the importance of the effect of rain on increasing the probability of crashes [23] and the relationship of driver behaviour on fuel efficiency [7], it is important to examine the possibility of change in driving behaviour in driver behaviour questionnaire. erefore, this study aims to develop a modified version of the driving behaviour questionnaire by including items related to driving behaviour under rainy conditions in order to evaluate the changes in driving behaviour
E second part of the questionnaire consisted of items about driving behaviour in dry weather conditions on a sixpoint Likert scale (1: never, 6: always). en, drivers were asked to answer the same questions again, assuming they were driving in rainy weather, to have the same instrument for analyzing the differences in behavioural dimensions
Summary
Environment, transport infrastructure, human, and vehicle are important elements of the transportation system. It can only operate safely and efficiently when these elements are compatible. E environment element, especially weather, could impact the safety and performance and the fuel consumption of the vehicles [1]. Adverse weather conditions such as rainfall are among the most significant reasons for decreasing road safety [2]. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report in 2013, weather conditions caused 22% of total traffic crashes. The weather change is one of the most significant reasons for driving behaviour changes as drivers adapt to the changing driving environment [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
