An analysis of driver behaviour through rural curves: exploratory results on driver speed

Abstract

Speed, whether above the speed limit or too fast for the conditions, is a significant contributor to fatal and serious injuries at curves on rural roads. The driving behaviour of 40 motorists was assessed using an instrumented vehicle. This vehicle tracked driver behaviour through around 200 curves on a set driving route. Factors including speed, acceleration, side force and lane position were recorded for each driver. Details regarding the design elements of the route were also collected, including curve severity, direction (left or right), horizontal alignment, grade and cross slope. This paper provides initial results for driver speed behaviour through different types of curves, and discusses the implications of the findings.