In order to study the basis for driver behaviour in passing different urban intersections an experiment was carried out. Forty intersections were divided into different principal types regarding both geometric design (three-way- and four-way-crossings) and priority rules (the right of way rule, the give-way-rule, and the right-hand-rule). The following variables were studied: (1) the driver's maximum horizontal turning of the head, (2) speed, (3) the driver's verbal description of his driving behaviour and (4) the driver's knowledge of the legally valid priority rule. The results show that the road user behaviour is to a large extent systematic, but at the same time that the existing priority rules are violated at certain types of intersection.
Samenvatting