The study describes an investigation into the effect of changes in meteorological conditions, forming part of a larger research programme based on the supposition that changes in physical risk influence driving behaviour and errors of the road using public. The programme was designed to minimise the influence of ethical issues, demand characteristics, objective measurements, timespan and representative participants. Driving simulators were used in the study to provide driving track characteristics, environment visibility and contrast, traffic flow and traffic behaviours. Daytime, nighttime, thick fog and dense fog conditions were simulated and the incidence of four different "error" or "collision" variables was investigated. Aspects of mood were considered and changes in risk acceptance behaviour in more restrictive conditions are assessed.
Samenvatting