Driver Behavior at Roundabouts Gaza City as a Case Study

Abstract

The traffic capacity of the roundabout depends on several factors which include the geometry of the roundabout, the diversity of vehicles, and driver behavior. This research focuses on the study of driver behavior at roundabout and the influencing factors, especially the behavior of giving priority right. Usually, the priority right is for vehicles inside the roundabout, while the vehicles on the roads leading to it have to wait and look for accepted gap. However, the driver behavior in Gaza is different. The driver is more reckless; it was noted that a large proportion of drivers in the approaching traffic does not give priority to the circulating flow and in many cases circulating flow is forced to stop and wait for a gap to move; where this behavior affects the performance of the roundabout. The main objectives of the study are to identify the percent of drivers who are familiar with traffic law at the roundabout especially priority right rule, as well as the percent of the driver’s real application of the priority rule and analyze the reasons behind that. The study also aims to develop solutions and recommendations may lead to increase awareness and improve the behavior of drivers at roundabouts. To achieve these goals, two main roundabouts in Gaza City were selected for the study (ALjala and Ansar), and a questionnaire was utilized to drivers after crossing the roundabout. At the same time, video was recorded by a camera placed in a suitable location near the roundabout to monitor the real driver behavior and to find out his/her application extent for the priority right rule. Several driver characteristics (such as age, gender, monthly income, level of education, years of experience - etc.) were linked to the knowledge of the driver about traffic laws and his/her behavior at roundabouts to determine the possible impact of that factors on drivers familiarity with traffic laws and their behavior. Two questionnaires were also designed for traffic police and driving schools to check their support and acceptance of the advantages of the roundabout. These questionnaires also aim to know the factors affecting the driver behavior and the best ways to improve the awareness and the traffic culture of drivers. After analyzing driver survey data, results showed that 88% of the study sample(390) knows the base of priority right, while the practical results obtained from video analysis proved that only about 30% of the sample gave priority right at the roundabout. This may be due to several reasons such as lack of strict measures against violators; a small diameter of central island; a number of drivers have obtained their driving license since a long time; and media don't make its role in awareness of drivers with roundabout traffic laws. When characteristics of drivers were linked to their familiarity and knowledge of roundabout traffic laws and their real behavior, the relationship was weak and not more than 13.4%. About 95% of the traffic police sample supported the benefits of the roundabout when compared to other types of intersections. Approximately 98% of respondents confirmed that there is an urgent need to pass messages to increase awareness and improve driver traffic culture through media and social networking sites. Based on the results of this research, it is recommended that the traffic police must take strict measures against violators; the media should take its role in improving awareness of drivers with traffic laws at the roundabout; the municipality should work to improve the geometry of the roundabout; and to increase the means of safety by applying proper road markings and traffic signs at the intersection.