Analysis of Driver Behaviour and Crash Characteristics during Adverse Weather Conditions

Abstract

Adverse weather and road conditions, following rain, fog and temperature fluctuations are the major causes of an elevated risk of traffic accidents and compromised flow in India. Drivers can control their risks at several levels, however it is useful to consider driver behaviour as hierarchically organized, separating tactical and operational on road control and level decision making. The former is exemplified by compensating for the weather related risk with adaptive driving behaviour, such as lower speeds, longer headways and avoidance of overtaking on two lane roads. However in countries like India where hard winters and impaired road conditions are not unusual enough to stop daily routines, people are not free to make safe travel decisions, despite their safe intentions. So it is in need to study driver behaviour and crash characteristics during Adverse Weather Conditions.