Bad Behavior While Driving is Actually Predictable

New research on the supposedly irrational patterns of behavior by drivers shows that bad driving decisions are predictable.

1 minute read

July 26, 2010, 2:00 PM PDT

By indivis


Transportation planners and engineers are beginning to draw upon psychological experiments cataloguing irrational patterns of behavior-as well as their own experience about real world travel-to find creative ways to discourage roadway antics and other bad travel choices and improve infrastructure design.

Their efforts are part of a wider movement by the new academic discipline of behavioral economics, established in the early 1990s, which is exploring how to factor "the human factor" into the computer models and decision processes used in financial markets, the transportation sector and other fields. There are tantalizing indications these efforts to understand and harness the quirks of human nature can help speed progress towards improved safety, energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and achievement of other goals.

Thanks to S. Hague

Monday, July 26, 2010 in In Transition

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog