PROBLEMS OF HUMAN INFORMATION PROCESSING AT INTERSECTIONS

Drivers approaching intersections have only a short time interval to make multiple decisions such as their intended direction of travel, whether any other vehicle is likely to conflict with them, what signs they have to obey legally, etc. This article elucidates ways in which this decision making is not optimised, concentrating on ways the environment can reduce the drivers' performance. Violation of general expectancy, of specific expectancy, and the consequences of information overload are the three factors considered. Examples in the New Zealand situation are given, including a dangerous intersection located at Tatuanui in the Piako County.