A simulator-based approach for modeling longitudinal driving behavior in construction work zones: Exploration and assessment

Abstract

The essential need to maintain roadway structures makes encountering work zones an inevitable part of today’s driving. The corresponding changes in traffic dynamics directly affect the drivers’ mobility and safety. Accordingly, a closer look into driver’s interaction with work zones’ geometrics and activity features may be helpful. The overall objective of this study is to examine the longitudinal characteristics of driver behavior in different work zone conditions. Based on existing literature, the variables defining these work zone conditions were specified as the work zone length, the barrier type and the level of activity. Eight different scenarios were designed by changing these three variables in a driving simulator and 40 trajectory data sets were recorded. Using a genetic algorithm, these data sets were used to calibrate a prospect theory-based acceleration model. The calibrated parameter values helped quantify the driver’s perception of the surrounding environment, his/her risk-attitudes and the corresponding judgment process.

Impact of Mobile Work Zone Barriers on Driving Behavior on Arterial Roads

“…This study investigated the effects of three mobile work zone barriers on drivers' throttle/brake control behavior (speeding behavior) and steering handling behavior (vehicle's lateral movement) on an arterial road using a driving simulator. When compared to cone pylons, the mean vehicle speeds were higher while driving beside concrete barriers, which corresponds with prior research [13], [14]. In this study, participants' age and gender did not have any effect on driving behavior while driving beside mobile work zone barriers.…”

“…Their evaluation also indicated that the participants had a realistic driving experience using a DS that could reproduce close-to-realworld scenarios. In another study, a driving simulator was used to test different variables such as the length of the work zone, duration of activity and barrier type [13]. The researchers observed that average speed was higher for longer work zones compared to the short ones.…”

Impact of the decision-making environment on policy responses to road worker fatality in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

“…This legal change makes sense from a revenue standpoint, since longer construction zones are associated with higher speeds as drivers lose patience, especially in areas with little work activity. 32 Because of such implementation, the legislation had a substantial effect on police and government revenue. The Winnipeg Police Service Financial Report for the quarter immediately following the implementation of the resulting new law in 2014 states that the new law combined with additional construction zone enforcement generated additional revenue that was "much greater than last year" (p. 4).…”

Application of Unsupervised Machine Learning Classification for the Analysis of Driver Behavior in Work Zones in the State of Qatar

“…Hamdar et al defined some variables that affected work zone conditions and situations [10]. Many other researchers observed different factors that affected the behavior of drivers in work zone areas [10][11][12]. These factors included work zone configurations, road and traffic conditions, environment characteristics, weather conditions, and driver behavior.…”

“…For example, a framework investigated longitudinal driving behavior, and the authors argued that the average driver speed was lower for short work zones than for extended ones [10]. On the other hand, another study discussed the relationship between the work zone activity and the average driver speed and that the work zone with long longitudinal buffers can potentially increase crash risks [11]. Another study also investigated if changing the traffic density may affect driving behavior [11]; the authors found that the work zone configuration, concentration, and geographical location impacted driving behavior.…”