Track Behavior in Curve Areas: Attempt at Typology

In contrast to the usual descriptions of driving behavior in curve areas in terms of speeds, this research project investigated track behavior. In this connection, a classification of the driving processes according to the type of the track paths along curves was developed; six track types were defined and their characteristic features were determined, and the frequency of the individual track types which occur was evaluated. Correlations between track behavior, curve geometry, and accidents in curves were also examined. For these purposes, data were collected for curves on two-lane highways in rural areas (speed limit 80 km/h). The measurements were made with specially developed "measuring posts," a tool that makes it possible to detect driving direction, vehicle lengths, spot speeds, as well as transverse distances of the vehicles from the edge of the pavement. This pilot investigation confirmed that different patterns of track paths do exist in curves, and that the frequency of the individual track types differs considerably from curve to curve. The track types also have very different characteristics.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Authors:
  • Spacek, Peter
• Publication Date: 2005-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 669-676
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 131
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Crash rates; Drivers; Driving; Empirical methods; Field studies; Geometric design; Highway curves; Highway design; Rural highways; Traffic crashes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track paths; Tracking (Steering); Typology
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01003856
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 17 2005 5:00PM