Comparative Analysis of the Attitude and Behavior of Young Drivers' Use of Two-Way Two-Lane Highways

For a number of years, a main cause of mortality across the globe has been the vehicle accident, with an overrepresentation of young drivers in all accident types, particularly fatal ones. Driver error results in about 90% of all accidents. Since they are less experienced in recognizing risk and acting accordingly in comparison with older drivers, this is particularly prominent in young drivers. In Texas, 62.4% of the total rural highways are composed of two-way two-lane (TWTL) highways, totaling 3,465 miles. In this study, most of the young drivers needed to use these TWTL highways to commute to school. In comparison with freeways, TWTL highway geometric design standards are lower and hence, crash risks are greater. Running stop signs, failing to yield right-of-way to other road users, failing to use seat belts, tailgating, driving under the influence of alcohol, using a cell phone while driving, and driving at excess speed are the most prevalent behaviors reported by young drivers and studied by the authors. Survey results of a random group of south Texas young drivers form the basis of this study, which also evaluated dependence of young driver behavior on TWTL rural highways on gender.

  • Availability:
  • Authors:
    • Sun, D
    • Benekohal, R F
    • Estrada, H
  • Publication Date: 2008-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01111448
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Sep 29 2008 11:47AM