Modeling response time and hazard identification in a video-based hazard perception test for car drivers

This study aimed to evaluate hazard perception ability of the car drivers by analyzing response time and hazard identification performance measures. A video-based test method was selected to evaluate hazard perception ability of car drivers. Initially, a field study was conducted on three random days to collect videographic data for capturing maximum possible hazardous traffic events. Time headway and critical speed were considered to differentiate traffic events as hazardous and non-hazardous. Finally, thirty short video clips consisting of hazardous and non-hazardous traffic events were created for video-based hazard perception test. One hundred twenty car drivers’ response time and hazard identification data were collected and analyzed using parametric survival regression and logistic regression, respectively. Parametric survival regression and logistic regression results showed that drivers with more driving experience and drivers without crash history were able to quickly respond and accurately identify the hazardous traffic events as compared to drivers with less driving experience and drivers with crash history. The model results showed positive influence of higher education on hazard perception skills indicating that education provides a sense of responsibility and improves the level of understanding related to safety risks while driving. The overall results obtained are consistent with the previous studies indicating that the test is a valid measure of hazard perception skills. It can be concluded that the video-based test can be adopted to evaluate hazard perception ability and with further research, it may be utilized to develop training modules for improving hazard perception skill of the drivers.