Impact Of Variable Weather Conditions On Drivers' Behavior

Many previous studies have confirmed the impact of weather conditions on the drivers' behavior, including the speed selection and headways. Both speed reduction and changes in headways were linked to worsening weather conditions. Often as a reason for reducing speed during rain or snow the limitation of visibility caused by these precipitation was indicated. There are few studies aimed at evaluating drivers' decisions to reduce speed in connection with their subjective assessment of the increase of road safety hazards and information from signs, included VMS (variable message sign). The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the reduction of speed or the increase of headways sufficiently compensate for the increased hazard of accidents caused by the deterioration of road conditions. Therefore, the quantitative assessment of the relationship between the road surface condition, vehicles' speed and headways is necessary. The study was conducted based on traffic data from section of road with and without of VMS, which inform about worsening conditions. Results of paper can improve the traffic management and road safety. Results confirms that the speed reduction during bad weather conditions does not compensate for increasing hazard of road safety. Nevertheless, the analyses of road safety do not indicate significant changes in the number of accidents.