DETERMINANTS OF DRIVERS SPEED

DETERMINANTEN VAN RIJSNELHEID

A review of the research on speed determining factors is presented with particular emphasis on speed on rural roads. Various behavioral models of speed choice are discussed. These models explain the effect of a limited number of factors only qualitatively. The most general model is the utility model wherein speed choice is primarily conceived of as a process of weighing the pro's and con's of a higher speed. Driving pleasure and time-gain appear to be motives in favour of speeding, but costs and various risks are motives against. However, structural limitations, such as perceptual speed adaptation and task demand can play a significant role in speed choice. Without any particular reference to behavioral models there have been various attempts to empirically determine speed related factors. Also, many speed measures have been evaluated in before-after studies. The effectivity of various factors is discussed against the background of the behavioral models. It appeared that research effort is primarily directed to risk related factors. Risk, defined as negative and uncertain consequences associated with a particular speed, may be subdivided into accident-, discomfort-, financial, or social risks. It appeared that such factors are only effective if the risk is recognizable, verifiable, consistent, and real, and if these properties are supported along the route. If any of these properties is absent there will no effect on speed or an initial effect will gradually decay. If these properties are present then it has been shown that lasting reductions of the average speed of at least 5 to 10% can be reached.(a)

• Corporate Authors:

  Instituut voor Zintuigfysiologie, TNO

  Kampweg 5
  Soesterberg,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • Tenkink, E
• Publication Date: 1988

Language

• Dutch

Media Info

• Pagination: 54 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: C-3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Bibliographies; Economic efficiency; Highway curves; Human factors; Law enforcement; Motivation; Pavements; Perception; Risk taking; Rural areas; Speed; Speed limits; Stress (Psychology)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; Selection
• Geographic Terms: Netherlands
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00487368
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1989 12:00AM