TECHNICAL PAPERS
Mar 1, 1992

Identification of Inappropriate Driving Behaviors

Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 118, Issue 2

Abstract

Certain inappropriate driving behaviors (IDBs) can result in unsafe driving conditions and increased accident potential. It is believed that some IDBs may be reduced by educating the general public (specifically, high‐risk driver groups) about the potential consequences through increased public awareness. Twenty‐five IDBs were identified and ranked according to: (1) The opinions of experts in the field of driver behavior considering accident potential, seriousness of consequences, and ease of correction; and (2) accident frequencies and rates using Pennsylvania accident data for 1984–86. A comprehensive literature search supplemented these efforts. A synthesis of all the analyses led to the following key statements to be used in the development of strategies for the campaign: (1) Young drivers consistently overrate their own ability and level of risk. (2) Younger males and older females have the highest accident rates; drivers under 19 and over 70 also have the highest accident costs. (3) Males are most often responsible across all age groups. (4) Speeding is the most frequent IDB of the IDBs causing accidents. (5) Over 50% of all accidents in Pennsylvania (1984–86) were the result of failure‐to‐yield situations, tailgating, or driving in the wrong lane, and (6) IDBs that appear to be the easiest to modify currently represent the smaller portions of total accidents.

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Go to Journal of Transportation Engineering
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 118Issue 2March 1992
Pages: 281 - 298

History

Published online: Mar 1, 1992
Published in print: Mar 1992

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Authors

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John M. Mason, Jr., Member, ASCE
Assoc. Prof. of Civ. Engrg. and Dir. Transp. Operations Program, Pennsylvania Transp. Inst., Pennsylvania State Univ., Res. Office Building, University Park, PA 16802–4710
Kay Fitzpatrick
Asst. Res. Engr., Transport Operations Program, Texas Transp. Inst., College Station, TX 77843
Deborah L. Seneca, Student Members, ASCE
Assoc. Traffic Engr., Grove Miller Engrg., Inc., 4810 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111
Thomas B. Davinroy, Member, ASCE
Retired, Assoc. Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Pennsylvania State Univ., 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802

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