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Sustainability
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Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety
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Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7484

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Isidoro Russo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: statistical analysis of traffic accidents; computational fluid dynamics modeling; people evacuation process; road tunnel resilience; risk analysis; concrete spalling; road pavement combustion; traffic simulation; electric vehicle safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gianluca Genovese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: risk analysis; computational fluid dynamics modeling; people evacuation process; road tunnel resilience; hydrogen safety; traffic simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable transportation aims to reduce environmental impacts and improve road safety through better driving behaviours and advanced vehicle technologies. Driving behaviours such as eco-driving—characterized by gentle acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and minimizing idling—not only reduce fuel consumption and emissions but also improve road safety by promoting smoother traffic flow. On the other hand, technological advancements in the transportation sector have led to the development of vehicles with reduced carbon emissions, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles. While these alternative vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, they may present different safety challenges compared to conventional vehicles, thus necessitating further experimental and/or numerical investigations. This Special Issue focuses on the consequences of traffic accidents and/or fires involving electric and hydrogen vehicles, with particular emphasis on incidents occurring in road tunnels, where (i) the anxiety generated by driving in a confined space could affect safety and driving behaviours; and (ii) disruptive events might result in severe consequences in terms of casualties, structural damages, and traffic flow disturbances, leading to economic and social impacts. However, we also encourage papers addressing the safety of electric and hydrogen vehicles involved in traffic accidents and/or fires in open spaces or other enclosed structures (e.g., parking facilities) .

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews on research topics including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Conventional (internal combustion engine) and alternative (electric and hydrogen) vehicles;
  • Transport of dangerous goods;
  • Traffic accidents, fires, explosions, and releases;
  • Safety issues and relative countermeasures;
  • Statistical and risk analysis;
  • Experimental tests and numerical simulations;
  • Driving behaviours;
  • Combustion of road pavement;
  • Concrete spalling;
  • Resilience.

Dr. Isidoro Russo
Dr. Gianluca Genovese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable transportation
  • driving behaviours
  • electric and hydrogen vehicles
  • transport of dangerous goods
  • statistical analysis
  • risk analysis
  • road tunnel safety
  • open and enclosed spaces
  • traffic accidents
  • fires

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
An Example of the Transition to Sustainable Mobility in the Austrian City of Graz
by Aleksandar Šobot and Sergej Gričar
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104324 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 310
Abstract
With its profound impact, climate change has emerged as the most significant challenge for economic development. The primary cause of this global crisis is “fossil” capitalism, which denotes the pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. As the main contributors, cars significantly add to [...] Read more.
With its profound impact, climate change has emerged as the most significant challenge for economic development. The primary cause of this global crisis is “fossil” capitalism, which denotes the pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. As the main contributors, cars significantly add to this pollution, making traffic one of the largest polluters responsible for the ecological and economic crisis. At the European Union (EU) level, countries have formulated environmental policies within the framework of the Green Deal. The Green Deal recognises sustainable mobility as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gases and managing the consequences of climate change. The research background highlights the promising effects of the sustainable mobility strategy in the Austrian city of Graz. The research methodology is based on a case study analysis of the “eco-transformation” of Graz, focusing on developing a local sustainable mobility strategy and implementing the “soft mobility” concept. Soft mobility refers to non-motorised forms of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and public transit, which are environmentally friendly and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research examines three key components—space, culture, and ambition—as fundamental elements of sustainable mobility. All available online data were collected through desk analysis and a literature review to assess the effectiveness of sustainable policies in Graz. In addition, a quantitative analysis using daily cyclist counts and weather data from 2022–2024 was conducted, confirming the impact of environmental and temporal variables on cycling behaviour. The findings underscore Graz’s replicable value as a sustainable mobility model and highlight the broader implications for EU climate goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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16 pages, 1769 KiB  
Article
Using Neural Networks to Forecast the Amount of Traffic Accidents in Poland and Lithuania
by Piotr Gorzelańczyk and Edgar Sokolovskij
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051846 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Globally, and specifically in Poland and Lithuania, the incidence of road accidents has been on a decline over the years. The overall figures remain significantly high. Thus, it is imperative to take substantial measures to further decrease these statistics. The objective of this [...] Read more.
Globally, and specifically in Poland and Lithuania, the incidence of road accidents has been on a decline over the years. The overall figures remain significantly high. Thus, it is imperative to take substantial measures to further decrease these statistics. The objective of this article is to estimate the future frequency of traffic accidents in both countries. To achieve this, a comprehensive yearly analysis of traffic incidents in Poland and Lithuania was performed. Using police records, forecasts for the years from 2024 to 2030 were established. Various neural network models were employed to predict the number of accidents. The results suggest that there remains potential for stabilization in traffic accident rates. It is undeniable that the increasing volume of vehicles on the roads, along with the development of new highways and expressways, plays a crucial role in this scenario. The result obtained depends on the model parameters (testing, validation, and training phases). Sustainable development requires comprehensive solutions, which also include improving road safety. Our research contributes to this goal by creating a tool that provides insight into the number of road accidents in analyzed countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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23 pages, 1238 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Dangerous Goods Transport: Case Western Balkan Countries
by Marko Renčelj, Osman Lindov, Miloš Pljakić and Drago Sever
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030891 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1521
Abstract
The transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) is a critical component of economic systems, especially in regions such as the Western Balkans (WB), where infrastructure and regulatory frameworks face significant challenges. This study assesses the current state of transportation of dangerous goods in Albania, [...] Read more.
The transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) is a critical component of economic systems, especially in regions such as the Western Balkans (WB), where infrastructure and regulatory frameworks face significant challenges. This study assesses the current state of transportation of dangerous goods in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo*, focusing on the alignment of national regulations with international standards such as the ADR agreement. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 847 stakeholders, key barriers are identified, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, limited oversight and low public awareness. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, reveal significant differences in perceptions across the countries surveyed, indicating inequalities in implementation and enforcement. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to close gaps through targeted investments in infrastructure, increased training programs, stricter compliance and regional cooperation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive data collection systems and advanced risk assessment tools to improve safety and efficiency. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of TDG issues in the WB countries and provides actionable recommendations for policy makers and practitioners to promote safer and more sustainable practices. The region can improve its TDG framework by addressing these challenges and ensuring economic growth and public safety while minimizing environmental risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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21 pages, 1665 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Factors Influencing the Safety of Young Novice Drivers: A Qualitative Approach Based on Grounded Theory
by Amin Mohammadi, Kayvan Aghabayk and Abbas Zabihzadeh
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229711 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1522
Abstract
Risky driving behaviors of young novice drivers and related crashes pose not only a threat to road safety but also a significant challenge to sustainable development. The high rate of traffic crashes involving young drivers leads to substantial losses in human capital, productivity, [...] Read more.
Risky driving behaviors of young novice drivers and related crashes pose not only a threat to road safety but also a significant challenge to sustainable development. The high rate of traffic crashes involving young drivers leads to substantial losses in human capital, productivity, and labor, which are irreparable and place a strain on societal resources. Addressing the safety issues of this vital group in society is crucial for promoting the long-term social and economic sustainability of communities. Despite this, studies have lacked a comprehensive explanation of the safety issues surrounding young novice drivers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify factors affecting the safety of young novice drivers in Iran, a developing country with a significant young population. The study uses a qualitative approach that is built on grounded theory to reveal the model. The statistical population of the study is specialists, experts, and researchers in the field of road safety who are spread across Iran. The data collection phase was realized through the conduction of semi-structured interviews with 36 of them, and the analysis process was continued until complete theoretical saturation was achieved. The research data were then analyzed using the coding method based on the systematic design of Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Finally, the categories were organized into seventeen subcategories within the six dimensions of the paradigm model: main category (three subcategories), causal factors (three subcategories), contextual factors (three subcategories), strategies (two subcategories), environmental conditions (three subcategories), and consequences (three subcategories). These findings not only provide a deep understanding of the safety issues faced by young novice drivers but also offer strategies that can contribute to improving road safety, thereby fostering social sustainability. Enhancing driver safety is crucial for reducing the economic and social costs of road crashes, which aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development by preserving human capital and societal well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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17 pages, 1727 KiB  
Article
Applying an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Young Drivers’ In-Vehicle Information System (IVIS) Use Intention and Behavior While Driving: A Longitudinal Two-Wave Survey
by Qi Zhong, Jinyi Zhi, Yongsheng Xu, Pengfei Gao and Shu Feng
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8908; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208908 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1448
Abstract
In-vehicle information system (IVIS) use while driving has raised concerns about driver distraction, especially for young drivers. To understand better their psychological factors, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) was employed to predict young drivers’ IVIS use intentions and behavior while driving. [...] Read more.
In-vehicle information system (IVIS) use while driving has raised concerns about driver distraction, especially for young drivers. To understand better their psychological factors, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) was employed to predict young drivers’ IVIS use intentions and behavior while driving. A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted to explore the temporal effects of ‘intention–behavior’ causality. At Time 1, 236 qualified participants completed a main questionnaire assessing the standard TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control) and the extended constructs (descriptive norms, moral norms, and perceived risks). At Time 2, 145 follow-up questionnaires measuring self-reported behavior were successfully administered. The hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that the standard constructs account for 36.5% of the intention variance and 41.2% of the behavior variance. The extended constructs additionally contributed 20.3% of intention variance. All variables were identified as significant predictors of intentions, except for perceived crash risks and perceived risks of being caught and fined. The sole significant predictor of prospective behavior was intention. Theoretically, the findings further support the efficacy of the TPB in explaining IVIS use while driving. Practically, it is helpful to design non-legal interventions that sustainably reduce young drivers’ engagement in IVIS-related distractions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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14 pages, 2346 KiB  
Article
Systematic Testing of Road Markings’ Retroreflectivity to Increase Their Sustainability through Improvement of Properties: Croatia Case Study
by Darko Babić, Mario Fiolić, Dario Babić and Tomasz E. Burghardt
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6653; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156653 - 3 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Road markings are important elements of road infrastructure, influencing traffic safety. Since they are deteriorating systems, their upkeep through renewals is important. To assure the quality of the renewal jobs, the systematic testing of retroreflectivity, which is the key performance parameter of road [...] Read more.
Road markings are important elements of road infrastructure, influencing traffic safety. Since they are deteriorating systems, their upkeep through renewals is important. To assure the quality of the renewal jobs, the systematic testing of retroreflectivity, which is the key performance parameter of road markings, was imposed in Croatia. Results from two decades of annual measurements of renewal jobs are provided. For the first decade, the measurements were taken statically, at spot locations, and later dynamically, across the entire road segments. When the evaluation started, only 1 out of 18 tested job sites was exceeding the minimum requirements; only after 8 years of measurements, 100% of the jobs exceeded the minimum demands. A subsequent switch to dynamic testing revealed that, on average, only 71% of the renewed road markings were in satisfactory condition and approximately 1.22% of the analysed line lengths had grossly substandard retroreflectivity. These results demonstrated that the field verification of jobs quality is necessary and simultaneously showed that static localised testing was not adequate. The outcome underlines the need for the strict supervision of road maintenance contracts to maximise the benefits for the society: through the better visibility of road markings, road safety should also improve, and the entire system will become more sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Driving Behaviours and Road Safety)
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