Model of the Influence of Road Pavement Conditions on Traffic Performance and Urban Driver Behavior

Road pavement damage is a major concern in urban road networks because it affects traffic operations and may influence driver behavior. This study aims to examine the effects of pavement conditions on traffic performance and urban driver behavior through an integrated analytical approach. The study was conducted on four main roads in Tanjungbalai City, Indonesia: Jalan A. Rahman, Jalan SMA 3, Jalan Prof. Dr. Ir. Sutami, and Jalan Husni Thamrin. Pavement conditions were assessed using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). At the same time, traffic performance was evaluated based on vehicle speed, traffic volume, and level of service (LOS) in accordance with the Indonesian Road Capacity Manual (MKJI) 1997. Driver behavior data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The PCI results ranged from 18 (very poor) to 100 (very good). Road sections with poorer pavement conditions exhibited lower average vehicle speeds than sections with better pavement conditions, although all observed sections were classified as LOS A. This finding suggests that LOS classification alone may not adequately capture the operational effects of pavement deterioration. SEM results indicated that pavement conditions had the strongest significant influence on driver behavior, with a t-value of 9.809 and p 0.001. Driver discipline attitudes also had a significant influence, whereas driver knowledge did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect. The model explained 68.5% of the variation in urban driver behavior (R² = 0.685). These findings highlight the importance of integrating pavement condition assessment with traffic safety management and behavioral considerations in urban transportation planning. Regular pavement maintenance and targeted safety measures may help improve traffic operations and support safer driving behavior.