Driver’s Braking Behavior Approaching Pedestrian Crossings: a Parametric Duration Model of the Speed Reduction Times

The driver’s braking behavior while approaching zebra crossings under different safety measures (curb extensions, parking restrictions and advance yield markings) and without treatment (baseline condition) was examined. The speed reduction time was the variable used to describe the driver’s behaviour. Forty-two drivers drove a driving simulator on an urban scenario in which the baseline condition and the safety measures were implemented. The speed reduction time was modelled with a parametric duration model to compare the effects on driver’s braking behavior of vehicle dynamic variables and different countermeasures. The parametric accelerated failure time (AFT) duration model with a Weibull distribution identified that the vehicle dynamic variables and only the countermeasure curb extensions affected, in a statistically significant way, the driver’s speed reduction time in response to a pedestrian crossing. This result shows that the driver, due to the improved visibility of the pedestrian allowed by the curb extensions, was able to receive a clear information and better to adapt his approaching speed to yield to the pedestrian, avoiding abrupt maneuvers. This also means a reduction of likelihood of rear-end collision due to less aggressive braking.