Analysis of drivers´ preparatory behaviour before turning at intersections

This study analyses naturalistic driving behaviour before making turns at intersections. Instrumented vehicles recorded drivers´ preparatory behaviour, including moving the right foot to cover the brake pedal and activating the turn-signal, while approaching the turning point on public roads. Data were analysed for relations between driver preparations, different traffic conditions (with or without forward and/or following vehicles) and the intersection type and turning direction. The results suggest that braking began closer to the target intersection when driving with a vehicle in front, independent of the number of traffic lanes or the turning direction. In contrast, the onset of braking occurred further before the intersection when drivers had a forward vehicle while approaching intersections after curves, where drivers cannot readily determine the distance between their vehicle and the turning point until just before the intersection. The presentation timing of vehicle navigation systems for each traffic condition is discussed based on the road structures of turning points.