Analysis of Vehicle Lateral Position in Curves Using a Driving Simulator: Road Markings, Human Factors and Road Features

The vehicle lateral position within a lane is critical in road safety, particularly on curved sections, where excessive deviations are often associated with crashes. This study analyses the effect of three traffic-calming measures on the lateral position of vehicles on curves with varying radii and turning directions. The experiment was conducted using a driving simulator with the participation of 48 drivers, assessing two leading indicators: the vehicle’s mean lateral position (LP) and the standard deviation of that position (SDLP). The results showed that, in curves, male drivers tended to drive further from the centre of the lane compared to female drivers. Additionally, female drivers exhibited less weaving in their trajectories (lower SDLP). Older drivers adopted more centred trajectories; however, SDLP increased with age. Drivers with higher annual exposure tended to drive further from the lane centre in curves. Among the traffic-calming measures, red-coloured transverse bands (CTB) reduced the lateral position by approximately 0.12 m in left curves. In contrast, red peripheral transverse bars (PTB) proved most effective in lowering lateral variability (SDLP). Geometric differences were also observed: greater curve radii were associated with lower SDLP values.