Factors Influencing Road Users' Behavior in Traffic Jam

The research is primarily aimed at performance enhancement (in terms of safety, flow, etc.) of urban traffic jams by recognizing the factors influencing the behavior of involved users. For this purpose, after an initial literature review, human and environmental principles and factors affecting drivers’ behavior in traffic jams were identified. Next, through a case study in the city of Babol, Iran, the characteristics of the city in terms of road network skeleton and the various influencing factors were determined. 

Upon a final identification of the influencing factors, a questionnaire on these factors was prepared to collect and analyze data from individuals, and its reliability and validity were confirmed. Considering opinions of the users and the statistical population (250 urban drivers in Babol), the variables and their associated scores were analyzed. This step was taken by data collection through questionnaire and evaluation of independent and dependent variables (individual’s evaluation score for drivers’ behavior in traffic jams taking into account the influencing factors). Finally, statistical modeling was performed in SPSS to analyze the relationship between the variables and the independent variable. In factor analysis, after confirming the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value and the validity of the questionnaire, contributions of the parameters to the factors were determined and categorized. 

The modeling results indicated that among the 17 identified factors, drivers’ lack of concentration and their disrespect for traffic laws; heavy traffic; uneven roads; unexpected bumpers; internal stimuli such as anger and fury, anxiety, stress, and excitement; and visual distracters, including roadside advertising billboards were correlated with the dependent variable and affect the model, all with significance levels below 5%.  

Most studies on resolving traffic congestion take a macroscopic approach by considering vehicles and drivers as a whole. The novelty of the present study lies in its microscopic approach to address the traffic congestion problem. It was revealed that a combination of human and environmental factors affect the driver’s behavior in traffic jam. To reduce traffic violations and improve driving culture, the urban management authorities have taken various measures such as the establishment of the Council for the Promotion of the Culture of Respect for Traffic Laws, Social Traffic Order Plan, and Comprehensive Plan of Transportation and Traffic, all of which are clearly observed to have contributed to the alleviation of the recent years’ traffic dilemma.