In-Laboratory Experiments to Analyze Enroute Driver Behavior Under ATIS

This paper discusses preliminary results from an in-laboratory experiment to study enroute driver behavior under ATIS. The case study was conducted using FASTCARS (Freeway and Arterial Street Traffic Conflict Arousal and Resolution Simulator), an interactive microcomputer-based travel choice simulator. The experiment was designed to both exhibit the value of using computer simulation for data collection and to explore factors that influence and induce changes in enroute driver behavior. A range of statistical methods were applied on both a driver and an enroute event basis to investigate underlying relationships between driver behavior and the selection and utilization of real-time information technologies. Logit models were developed for both primary and secondary diversion behavior, incorporating variables that capture the utility choice associated with enroute decision processes. Utility assessment modeling was performed to examine the potential benefits of in-vehicle navigation systems. The analyses suggest that driver familiarity both with travel conditions and network layout strongly influences driver behavior and need to acquire information. The initial results indicate that although real-time information acquisition is generally useful for clarifying drivers' perceptions of travel conditions and assisting with route choice decisions, the value of information acquisition may decrease among more experienced drivers.