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 Affect the design and Traffic performance.

 Vehicular characteristics consist of
 Static Characteristics
 Dynamic Characteristics
 Static Characteristics include dimensions, weight and
maximum turning angle.
 Dynamic Characteristics include Speed, Acceleration ,
braking Characteristics and some aspects of body
design.
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1.VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
a). Width : Affect width of traffic lanes, shoulders &
parking facilities .
b). Height: Affects the clearance of overhead structures.
 Clearance under over bridges, under bridges, electric
& other service lines.

 Height of driver seat –provide clear vision of the road

to his front & sides.

 Height of headlight- affects sight distances at valley

curves. 3
c). Length: Important factor in design of Horizontal
alignment
 Length affects
 safe overtaking distance
 Capacity of road
 Extrawidening
 minimum turning radius
 Parking Facilities
 Design of valley curves.
2.. WEIGHT: Affects design of pavement thickness &
gradients.
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 Limiting gradients are governed by weight & power of vehicles.
3) . POWER: Power of heaviest and loaded weights
vehicle govern permissible and limiting gradients.
Power affects the speed and acceleration of vehicle.

4). MINIMUM TURNING RADIUS : Depends on

length of wheel base and features of steering system
 Affects design of sharp curves.

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a). SPEED: it affects
 Sight distances
 Superelevation
 Length of transition curve
 Vertical curves
 Width of pavement and shoulders
 Design gradient
 Capacity of traffic lane
 Design of intersections.

 Design speed controls most of the geometric

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features of the highway.
b) ACCELERATION: Governed by Vehicle transmission
system, weight and horse power.
 Maximum deceleration rate depends upon friction between
tyres and pavement.
c) BRAKING CHARACTERISTICS: Important for
safety.
 Affects Safety of vehicle operation ,stopping distance and the
spacing between two consecutive vehicles in a traffic steam

 Interaction between tyre & road surface governs braking

performance.

 One of the prime causes of accidents during braking is the 7

wheels getting locked and driver losing control of the
vehicle.
 Lighting system consist of
a). Headlight
Main functions
 To provide a main beam for the driver to see the road ahead.
 To provide a dipper beam for avoiding glare to the opposing
traffic.
b). Rear Lamps : Give indication to the driver about
presence of a vehicle infront of him Avoid Front- to
rear collision.
c). Direction Indicators : Give adequate notice of the
intention of driver to turn or to stop.
 Usually amber in colour. 8