Driver behaviours on rural highways with and without curbs – a driving simulator based study

The speed limit of 55 mph (88 km/h) is used typically on rural highways in the U.S. When curbs are installed, a lower speed limit is suggested because running into curbs at high speeds may cause significant vehicular damage and severe injuries. However, it has been argued that lowering the speed limit may cause confusion in drivers, who do not perceive the risk and tend to operate their vehicles at the same speed as before. To better understand driver behaviour on two-lane rural highways before and after curb installation, the authors conducted a series of experiments on a high-fidelity driving simulator in different posted speed limit, curb installation, lateral curb clearance, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions. Results of the study suggest that driver behaviours are influenced by the various factors in a complex and interrelated manner. It is likely that curbs have no influence on a driver's selection of speed. Drivers do perceive the risk from the curb or the opposing traffic when selecting their lane positions. The available space between the curb and the opposing traffic is crucial and has significant effects on driving behaviours. The subjective effects of drivers are found to be influential to driving behaviours.