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Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior

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A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 26687

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Andrew Morris

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Guest Editor

Transport Safety Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
Interests: traffic safety; crash-injury prevention; driver behavior; human factors in transport safety

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In many countries with modern vehicle fleets, vehicle occupant protection technology is now effectively preventing serious injuries and saving lives. In addition, active safety systems are proving to be highly effective in preventing crashes. However, death and serious injuries are still commonly occurring in road crashes. Globally, around 1.4 million people are killed in crashes each year, and this number is, if anything, increasing year on year.

In many highly motorised countries, the main challenges surrounding crash-injury prevention now involve the vulnerable road user (VRU) group. Some studies suggest that almost 70% of fatally injured road users in inner urban areas are VRUs and crashes involving pedestrians can exhibit unprediactable behaviours, and are especially problematic.

In many rapidly motorising countries, vulnerable road user crashes are still prevalent and are equally challenging, but there are also issues with many vehicle fleets having vehicles which do not offer adequate occupant protection, since they are not equipped with modern airbag and restraint systems. Furthermore, in many cases, many of these vehicles do not meet modern vehicle safety standards and would fail to comply with regulatory compliance testing requirements. Therefore, in crashes involving such vehicles, occupant safety is greatly compromised.

Furthermore, in both highly motorised and rapidly motorising countries, new challenges will become evident in the years ahead as connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) become a reality. CAVs will be capable of handling most of the manoeuvring and control functions of the vehicle in all traffic scenarios, but in urban settings, this will mean that CAVs will be required to interact with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists – and this could be problematic if the technology does not prove to be perfectly reliably.

In this Special Edition, we welcome papers exploring issues relating to future road crash prevention, either through vehicle design, modification of driver behaviour and implementation of other traffic safety measures, including road infrastructure design. We also welcome studies relating to where current gaps in vehicle active and passive safety requirements are still evident, and how such gaps could be addressed.

We also welcome papers on the future prevention of vulnerable road user crashes and the likely impact of CAVs on these road user groups.

Prof. Dr. Andrew Morris
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Safety
Injury causation
Driver behaviour
Human factors
Vulnerable road users
Connected and autonomous vehicles

Published Papers (10 papers)

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18 pages, 479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Signal Design of Autonomous Vehicle Intention Presentation on Pedestrians’ Cognition

by Chih-Fu Wu, Dan-Dan Xu, Shao-Hsuan Lu and Wen-Chi Chen

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12120502 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

In this study, a method is devised that allows the intentions of autonomous vehicles to be effectively communicated to pedestrians and passengers via an efficient interactive interface. Visual and auditory factors are used as variables to investigate the effects of different autonomous vehicle signal factors on the judgment of pedestrians and to determine the main factors such that the best combination can be proposed. Two visual dimensions (i.e., color and flashing) and three auditory dimensions (i.e., rhythm, frequency, and melody) are used as the experimental signal variables. In addition, deceleration and waiting-to-restart scenarios are investigated. Multiple-choice questions and a subjective cognition scale are used for evaluation. The results show that the combination of green and slow rhythm can be used for the road-user-first case, whereas the combination of red and fast rhythm can be used for the vehicle-first case. Under the same intention, factors of color, flashing, rhythm, and melody are highly similar in terms of the combination mode, except for the frequency. In the deceleration and waiting-to-restart scenarios, the frequencies of the best signal are high and low frequencies, respectively. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the signal design of autonomous vehicles in the future and provide ideas for the interactions between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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13 pages, 4117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Behavior during Takeover Request of Autonomous Vehicle: Effect of Driver Postures

by Koki Muto, Shoko Oikawa, Yasuhiro Matsui and Toshiya Hirose

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12110417 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2673

Abstract

We investigated the effect of driver posture on driving control following a takeover request (TOR) from autonomous to manual driving in level 3 autonomous vehicles. When providing a TOR, driving behaviors need to be investigated to develop driver monitoring systems, and it is important to clarify the effect of driver postures. Experiments were conducted using driver postures that are likely to be adopted in autonomous driving. Driver postures were set based on combinations of two types of upper-body posture and three types of foot posture. The driver’s upper body and head were set to either a forward or sideways orientation. For each of these there were three types of foot posture: both feet on the floor, crossed legs, and cross-legged sitting. Following a TOR, we compared the braking and steering maneuvers of subjects driving normally and examined the effects of posture on driver reaction time. The results show that both the upper-body and foot postures of the driver affect the steering and braking reaction time. The driver monitoring system should be able to detect posture and activate a TOR warning, and detection times up to 2 and 1.3 times faster than those for normal postures should be considered for different upper-body and foot postures, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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18 pages, 2231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Common Principles for Decision-Making in Moral Dilemmas for Autonomous Vehicles

by Li Li, Junyou Zhang, Shufeng Wang and Qian Zhou

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12090344 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1779

Abstract

How decisions are made when autonomous vehicles (AVs) are faced with moral dilemmas is still a challenge. For this problem, this paper proposed the concept of common principles, which were drawn from the general public choice and could be generally accepted by society. This study established five moral dilemma scenarios with variables including the number of sacrifices, passenger status, presence of children, decision-making power subjects, and laws. Based on existing questionnaire data, we used gray correlation analysis to analyze the influence of the individual and psychological factors of participants in decision-making. Then, an independent sample t-test and analysis of covariance were selected to analyze the influence relationship between individual and psychological factors. Finally, by induction statistics of decision choices and related parameters of participants, we obtain common principles of autonomous vehicles, including the principle of protecting law-abiding people, the principle of protecting the majority, and the principle of protecting children. The principles have different priorities in different scenarios and can meet the complex changes in moral dilemmas. This study can alleviate the contradiction between utilitarianism and deontology, the conflict between public needs and individualized needs, and it can provide a code of conduct for ethical decision-making in future autonomous vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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19 pages, 1648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Psychological Perspectives and Demographics on Drivers’ Valuation of Road Accidents: A Combination of Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Preference Heterogeneity Model

by Panuwat Wisutwattanasak, Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao, Chamroeun Se and Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12090336 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

Property damage and loss from road traffic accidents are a major concern in developing countries; thus, studies on accident damage in such countries may include more latent factors. This study aims to examine the effect of psychological perspectives and sociodemographic status on drivers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for road accident risk reduction, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the random parameters multinomial logit model with heterogeneity in means and variances (RPMNLHMV). The CFA results from interviews with 1650 car drivers in Thailand demonstrate that concepts of the theory of planned behavior and health access process approach are key factors for describing drivers’ behavioral intention and WTP. The RPMNLHMV results indicate that drivers’ demographics affected drivers’ WTP to reduce road accidents, and psychological perspectives were also found to have an influence on WTP. The results also reveal unobserved characteristics that could affect drivers’ WTP. The study concludes that ignoring unobserved heterogeneity in studies on WTP to reduce road accidents can lead to biased results and neglect important influential factors. The methodological approaches applied herein offer another layer of insight into unobserved characteristics in road accident valuation. These findings could be used to provide relevant authorities practical insights for policy development on road accident mitigation and road safety education programs in accordance with drivers’ characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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14 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simulation-Based Study of the Effect of Brake Light Flashing Frequency on Driver Brake Behavior from the Perspective of Response Time

by Min-Chih Hsieh, Lan-Xin Chen, Yu-Chi Lee and Qin-Ming Liu

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12090332 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

To prevent vehicle crashes, studies have proposed the use of flashing signals (brake lights or other light indicators) to improve the driver’s response time when the leading vehicle is braking. However, there are no consistent results on the ideal flashing frequency of the brake lights. This study aimed to investigate different brake light flashing frequencies to assess their impact on braking response time. Twenty-four participants aged 25 to 30 were recruited. Two driving speed environments (50 and 80 km/h), three deceleration rates (0.25, 0.6, and 1 g), and four brake light flashing frequencies (0, 2, 4, and 7 Hz) were examined. Braking response time, average braking force, and braking response time ratio were used to evaluate the driving behavior. The results showed that the braking response time and average braking force were affected by the deceleration rate in the 50 km/h driving environment. In the 50 and 80 km/h driving environments, although there were no significant differences among the three deceleration rates, the braking response time decreased by 3–7% under the flashing brake light condition. These findings can be used as a reference for safety designs as well as future studies on driving behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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12 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GPS Digital Nudge to Limit Road Crashes in Non-Expert Drivers

by Raffaella Nori, Micaela Maria Zucchelli, Marco Giancola, Massimiliano Palmiero, Paola Verde, Anna Maria Giannini and Laura Piccardi

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12060165 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

Many automotive industries are developing technologies to assist human drivers in suggesting wiser choices to improve drivers’ behaviour. The technology that makes use of this modality is defined as a “digital nudge”. An example of a digital nudge is the GPS that is installed on smartphones. Some studies have demonstrated that the use of GPS negatively affects environmental learning because of the transformation of some spatial skills. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the GPS nudge and its relationship with spatial ability, together with its function in supporting the driving behaviour of non-expert drivers, in order to reduce the number of road crashes. A total of 88 non-expert drivers (M age = 21 years) filled in questionnaires and carried out tasks to measure spatial abilities, sense of direction, driver behaviour, and six different real-life driving scenarios. The results reveal that the higher the spatial skills are, the greater the GPS use is, and that drivers who use GPS improve their sense of direction. Moreover, people with high visuospatial abilities use GPS more extensively. Finally, young drivers do not consider the GPS aid to be useful when they have no time pressure. The results are discussed by taking into account the familiarity-and-spatial-ability model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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14 pages, 243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Saudi Women and Vision 2030: Bridging the Gap?

by Wafaa Saleh and Areej Malibari

Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11100132 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4022

Abstract

(1) Background, Travel characteristics of Saudi women contrast significantly from those in the west. This is not only because they have different culture, attitudes and preferences but also until recently, Saudi women were not allowed to drive. In 2018, they were granted the right to drive. It has been anticipated that enabling women to drive will improve their mobility and employability. (2) Methods: This study presents a qualitative study into factors affecting Saudi women’s travel decisions “before” and “after” enabling women to drive in the Kingdom. Two six “before” and “after” focus groups have been carried out to investigate the decision-making process associated with Saudi women’s travel, available options of travel and perception of Saudi women towards private car driving. (3) Results: The results reveal that main travelling options for professional and high-income women is a private driver in the “before” scenario and a ride-share option with a family member. In the “after” scenario, high income professional women prefer “drive own car” option. Moreover, many of the participants indicated that it is likely that they might keep private drivers as well. (4) Conclusion. The results from this research indicate that there has been significant change in travel characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of Saudi women since they were granted the right to drive. This is likely to have significant implications for decision and policy makers. Further research into potential impacts of the current situation on car ownership and use, impacts on public transport system, environmental impacts and sustainability is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

14 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autonomous Vehicles and Vulnerable Road-Users—Important Considerations and Requirements Based on Crash Data from Two Countries

by Andrew Paul Morris, Narelle Haworth, Ashleigh Filtness, Daryl-Palma Asongu Nguatem, Laurie Brown, Andry Rakotonirainy and Sebastien Glaser

Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11070101 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3625

Abstract

(1) Background: Passenger vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functionalities are becoming more prevalent within vehicle fleets. However, the full effects of offering such systems, which may allow for drivers to become less than 100% engaged with the task of driving, may have detrimental impacts on other road-users, particularly vulnerable road-users, for a variety of reasons. (2) Crash data were analysed in two countries (Great Britain and Australia) to examine some challenging traffic scenarios that are prevalent in both countries and represent scenarios in which future connected and autonomous vehicles may be challenged in terms of safe manoeuvring. (3) Road intersections are currently very common locations for vulnerable road-user accidents; traffic flows and road-user behaviours at intersections can be unpredictable, with many vehicles behaving inconsistently (e.g., red-light running and failure to stop or give way), and many vulnerable road-users taking unforeseen risks. (4) Conclusions: The challenges of unpredictable vulnerable road-user behaviour at intersections (including road-users violating traffic or safe-crossing signals, or taking other risks) combined with the lack of knowledge of CAV responses to intersection rules, could be problematic. This could be further compounded by changes to nonverbal communication that currently exist between road-users, which could become more challenging once CAVs become more widespread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

16 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motor Vehicle Collisions during Adolescence: The Role of Alexithymic Traits and Defense Strategies

by Silvia Cimino, Eleonora Marzilli, Michela Erriu, Paola Carbone, Elisa Casini and Luca Cerniglia

Behav. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11060079 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2788

Abstract

International literature has shown that adolescents represent the population most at risk of fatal and nonfatal motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Adolescents’ alexithymic traits and significant use of immature defense strategies have been seen to play a key role. This study aimed to investigate the possible mediation role played by defense strategies use in the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our sample consisted of 297 adolescents divided into four subgroups, based on the number of visits to the emergency department due to an MVC. We assessed adolescents’ alexithymic traits and defense strategies use through self-report instruments. Results showed that males reported a higher rate of MVCs than females. Higher rates of MVCs are associated with more alexithymic traits and maladaptive defense strategies use. Adolescents’ Acting Out and Omnipotence use significantly mediated the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our findings suggest the recidivism of MVCs as an attempt to cope with emotional difficulties, with important clinical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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21 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review on the Role of Substance Consumption in Work-Related Road Traffic Crashes Reveals the Importance of Biopsychosocial Factors in Prevention

by Sergio Frumento, Pasquale Bufano, Andrea Zaccaro, Anello Marcello Poma, Benedetta Persechino, Angelo Gemignani, Marco Laurino and Danilo Menicucci

Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12020023 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2588

Abstract

Objective: Since many jobs imply driving, a relevant part of all road traffic crashes (RTC) is related to work. Statistics considering all crashes suggest that they are significantly associated with consumption of substances, but the root causes are not yet clear. The objective of the present paper was to systematically review the scientific literature concerning substances consumption and work-related RTC. We queried the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were included if they reported all necessary data and survived a quality assessment. We selected a final sample of 30 articles from an initial pool of 7113. As hypothesized, taking any of the considered substances was found to increase the risk of work-related RTC. Descriptive statistics on work-related RTC showed a higher average positivity rate for medicines (14.8%) than for alcohol (3.02%) and drugs (0.84%). Interestingly, the impact of some medications found an unconvincing explanation in the mere occurrence of side effects, and it suggests that psychosocial and/or medical conditions could be better predictors of RTC. We therefore propose an intervention and prevention model that also considers biopsychosocial factors, for which further studies are needed in future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Crash Injury and Driver Behavior)

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