Track Behavior in Curve Areas: Attempt at Typology

In contrast to the usual descriptions of driving behavior in curve areas in terms of speeds, this research project investigated track behavior. In this connection, a classification of the driving processes according to the type of the track paths along curves was developed; six track types were defined and their characteristic features were determined, and the frequency of the individual track types which occur was evaluated. Correlations between track behavior, curve geometry, and accidents in curves were also examined. For these purposes, data were collected for curves on two-lane highways in rural areas (speed limit 80 km/h). The measurements were made with specially developed "measuring posts," a tool that makes it possible to detect driving direction, vehicle lengths, spot speeds, as well as transverse distances of the vehicles from the edge of the pavement. This pilot investigation confirmed that different patterns of track paths do exist in curves, and that the frequency of the individual track types differs considerably from curve to curve. The track types also have very different characteristics.