Exploring driver behaviors during tailgating situations: a driving simulator study

Abstract

The characteristics of drivers vary from one individual to another and one culture to another, leading to distinct driving behaviors exhibited by different drivers. This study aims to explore drivers’ car-following behaviors during tailgating situations using the data collected through a driving simulator experiment conducted at Qatar University. Preliminary outcomes of this study explained that the reaction times do not significantly vary between males and females (of 20 to 30 years old) even though females showed shorter reaction times than males. Furthermore, compared to male drivers, female drivers tend to maintain a shorter spacing while tailgating. Both genders tend to maintain a longer spacing when following a sedan than when they follow a truck. Analysis of Time-To-Collision (TTC) values indicated that collision risk might be higher when a female driver tailgates a truck. Compared to their male counterparts, female drivers displayed more unsafe tailgating behaviors during tailgating situations, as indicated by a higher percentage of critical TTC values. The findings of this study could be useful in devising its-based safety interventions and calibrating car-following models considering the heterogeneity of driving behaviors and driver characteristics.