Investigation of drivers' behavior in developing countries in the face of different road and traffic characteristics in a simulator environment

In this study, the behavioral responses of drivers in developing countries under various road and traffic conditions were experimentally examined using a high-fidelity driving simulator. The primary aim of the research was to quantitatively evaluate driver behaviors across different roadway scenarios, investigate the impact of human factors on driving performance, and provide comprehensive insights into their influence on traffic safety. For this purpose, four core scenarios were designed: (1) pedestrian crossing approach, (2) compliance with green wave systems, (3) freeway merging through short acceleration lanes, and (4) driving under electronic enforcement systems (EDS). A total of 125 participants were initially recruited for the experimental process; however, due to incomplete sessions and simulator-related tolerance issues, data from 107 participants were included in the final analyses. The dataset comprised both performance variables recorded in the simulation environment — such as instantaneous speed, sudden acceleration and braking, lane-change frequency, and lateral lane deviations — and perceptual-cognitive data obtained from pre- and post-driving questionnaires. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, variance analyses, and machine learning-based classification models. The findings revealed key behavioral tendencies: delayed braking at pedestrian crossings, speed adaptation problems under green wave conditions, increased attention but reduced driving comfort under EDS, and risky lane-changing maneuvers during freeway merging. Furthermore, the developed risk classification models allowed for a more nuanced understanding of individual driver differences and offered predictive insights for preventive traffic safety strategies. In conclusion, this study provides a multidimensional analysis of human factors through simulator-based experimental approaches and contributes both scientifically and practically to the development of sustainable road safety policies in developing countries.