Identifying effective variables on dangerous overtaking maneuver on two-lane, two-way rural roads (Case study: rural roads of Zanjan and East Azerbaijan)

The main objective of this study, is to investigate the significant and effective parameters in committing dangerous and safe overtaking maneuvers in two-lane, two-way rural roads in Iran. In order to gather data, field data collection method were used. The data in this research were gathered by an expert –a transportation engineer– accompanied by patrolling police, through interviews with drivers after overtaking. The analysis of 514 interviews using the Chi-squared test identified determinants of overtaking on two-lane, two-way rural roads. Plotted graphs show that that dangerous overtaking maneuvers declines as the age of the driver increases. This trend is also true as the age of the vehicle increases. Other conclusions include a decline in hazardous surpassing maneuvers with an increase in roadway and shoulder width. This is also true for roads by the same level for shoulders as lanes, compared to roadways with different levels for shoulder and lanes. Finally it can be concluded that an increase in the length of unpermitted overtaking area, can increase dangerous overtaking maneuvers.