Analysis of driving behavior at expressway toll plazas

Abstract Drivers are required to make many rapid decisions at expressway toll plazas, which could result in drivers’ confusion, speed variation, and sudden lane change maneuvers. Thus, toll plazas are considered one of the most dangerous segments on expressways. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies have explored the factors that affect driving behavior and safety at toll plazas. This study assessed driving behavior at a section, including a hybrid toll plaza, on one of the main expressways in Central Florida using a driving simulator. The details of the section and the plaza were accurately replicated in the simulator. Overall, 72 participants were recruited and each driver performed three different scenarios out of a total of 24 scenarios. Subsequently, four behavioral variables were extracted from the experimental data (i.e., average speed, speed variation, standard deviation of lane deviation, and standard deviation of acceleration) to explore risky driving behaviors with various paths, signs, pavement markings, segment lengths, and traffic conditions. In addition, the effects of drivers’ individual characteristics on driving behavior were investigated. A series of linear mixed models with random effects to account for multiple observations from the same participant were developed to reveal the contributing factors for driving behavior at toll plazas. The results uncovered that drivers experiencing the open road tolling (ORT) have safer driving behavior than those who use the tollbooth. Also, providing dynamic message sign (DMS) on the ramp before the toll plaza has a significant effect on reducing sudden lane change maneuvers. Adjustment of the locations of overhead signs was also recommended in this study. Moreover, the existence of arrow pavement marking before and after the toll plaza is important for reducing unsafe driving behavior before and after the toll plaza.