Information Categorization Based on Driver Behavior for Urban Lane-Changing Maneuvers

During recent years, transportation researchers have developed various algorithms to model lane-changing behavior on highways and urban streets. However, most of these models were derived and validated using data such as vehicle trajectories, with no consideration of driver characteristics. Focus group studies were conducted to obtain driver-related information so that driver characteristics could be incorporated into lane-changing models. Different lane-changing scenarios on urban streets were examined and discussed during the focus group meetings. The likelihood of initiating lane changes under each scenario was determined, and participating drivers were categorized according to their background information and verbal responses. Two types of information were used to establish a relationship between driver characteristics and lane-changing behavior: quantitative and qualitative responses from participants. Recommendations are provided for the implementation of study findings.