EFFECT OF AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS ON DRIVING BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES ON MOUNTAINOUS ROADS IN THAILAND

Abstract

Speeding is one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents in mountainous areas in Thailand. Recently, the government has been gaining attention to employ automated speed enforcement systems for monitoring speeding behavior on major highways. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an automated speed enforcement system implemented along mountainous road sections in Thailand. Specifically, the study examines whether such system changes driving behavior and attitudes. The study has two thrusts. First, the study conducted the observational before-and-after speed study and performed the statistical analyses to evaluate driving behavior. Second, the study conducted the questionnaire surveys and applied the sequential equation modelling analyses together with the Theory of Planned Behavior concept to evaluate driving attitudes toward speeding and speed enforcement system. The study used the Highway No.118, one of the most hazardous mountainous corridors in Thailand as a case study. The results showed the changes in both driving behavior and attitudes. After implementing automated speed enforcement system. there were significant reductions in speed and the number of violators. Moreover, psychologically, drivers believe that they would increase the opportunity to perform overspeed if there is no speed control. Therefore, this study provides decision-makers better understand the characteristics of driving attitudes and behavior in Thailand and ensures the effectiveness of automated speed enforcement system.