Explicit and Implicit Processes in Behavioural Adaptation to Road Width

The finding that drivers may react to safety interventions in a way that is contrary to what was intended is the phenomenon of behavioral adaptation. This phenomenon has been demonstrated across various safety interventions and has serious implications for road safety programs the world over. The present research used a driving simulator to assess behavioral adaptation in drivers' speed and lateral displacement in response to manipulations of road width. Of interest was whether behavioral adaptation would occur and whether we could determine whether it was the result of explicit, conscious decisions or implicit perceptual processes. The results supported an implicit, zero perceived risk model of behavioral adaptation with reduced speeds on a narrowed road accompanied by increased ratings of risk and a marked inability of the participants to identify that any change in road width had occurred.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00014575
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Lewis-Evans, Ben
  • Charlton, Samuel G
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 610-617
• Serial:
  • Accident Analysis & Prevention
  • Volume: 38
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0001-4575
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00014575

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior modification; Drivers; Driving simulators; Highway design; Roads; Speed; Width
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral displacement; Risk perception
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01023664
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 2006 7:43AM