Driver Expectancy

Driver Expectancy
Expectancy (def) an inclination based on previous experience to respond in a set manner to a roadway, traffic, or information situation Types A Priori long-term (based on collective past experience) PRT = 0.6s avg., some 2.0s Ad Hoc short-term (based on site-specific practices/situations encountered during a particular trip on a particular roadway, PRT = 1.0s avg., some 2.7s

Driver Expectancy
Driver Expectancies (what do we expect as drivers?)
Specific colors (red = stop) Driver ahead not to decelerate rapidly Slower drivers in right lane Work zone signs = people working Lane size Etc.
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Selection of Design Driver

Design criteria must be based on the capabilities and limitations of most drivers and pedestrians

The 85th percentile is generally used to select Design Criteria The 95th percentile or higher is used where the consequences of failure are severe AASHTO recommends 2.6 seconds for stopping sight distance (90th)
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Role of Transportation Engineer

allow proper sight distance in design, sign placement avoid hitting driver with too much info at once
one sign at a time

clarity (sign size, color, reflectivity)

Driver Activities in Selection of Path

Control (overt actions)
Road Edge Avoid a Car

Guidance (decisions)
Lane Placement Car Following Passing

Driver Activities in Selection of Path Cont.

Navigation Level (planning)
Maps Observe a directional sign