Psychological influences on drivers’ yielding behavior at the crosswalk of intersections

Abstract

Pedestrian safety is vital, especially when it comes to crossing at intersections. Setting pedestrian safety facilities is one of the solutions to provide a safer environment for pedestrians to cross at intersections. And most studies have focused on the influence of pedestrian safety facilities on drivers’ yielding behavior. Meanwhile, psychological factors underlying drivers’ decisions to yield to pedestrians have received little attention. The current study explored the relationship between drivers’ yielding behavior and psychological factors using a questionnaire mainly designed based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). Measures of the questionnaire included elements of the theory of planned behavior model, risk perception part, new countermeasure, and traditional countermeasure. Pearson correlation test revealed that young drivers or highly educated drivers were more likely not to yield to pedestrians. Factors analysis proved the extended TPB questionnaire to be valid and reliable. Structural equation modeling showed that attitude (0.23), subjective norm (0.58), perceived behavioral control (0.21), and risk perception (0.38) significantly and directly influenced drivers’ yielding intentions. Traditional countermeasure (0.66) and new countermeasure (0.44) significantly influenced drivers’ risk perception and then influenced drivers’ yielding intentions indirectly. According to these findings, promotion and education on yielding behavior and on the functions of pedestrian safety facility were proposed.