Analyzing Driver Behavioral And Attitudinal Characteristics And Their Implications For Work Zone Safety

Abstract

Roadway work zones, although essential for infrastructure maintenance and improvement, continue to present hazardous driving conditions, contributing to ongoing crash occurrences. Despite extensive prior research, a significant gap remains regarding empirical examination of driver pre-incident factors. This study addresses this gap through a naturalistic driving study (NDS) involving over 3,100 drivers, capturing real-world driving data. The research followed a three-step methodology. First, driver-related data - including prior driving behaviors, sensation-seeking tendencies, and risk attitudes - were collected, alongside crash and near-crash (CNC) events occurring within work zones and related areas. Second, comprehensive scores representing dangerous driving behaviors, risk perception, and risk-taking attitudes were derived for drivers involved in work zone events. Third, statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between drivers involved and not involved in CNC events within work zones. Findings indicate that CNC-involved drivers exhibited significantly higher engagement in unsafe driving behaviors, greater risk-taking tendencies, and lower risk perceptions compared to non-involved drivers. Consequently, these results provide novel empirical insights into driver-related factors influencing work zone safety, thereby enhancing the understanding of work zone safety influencers. Furthermore, the findings can inform targeted interventions designed to impact driver risk attitudes, ultimately contributing to safer roadway work zones.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-078448699-3

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2026

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS