Speed Variation of Vehicles Correspondent to Road, Driver, and Environmental Characteristics

Abstract

According to the Sri Lankan Police records, the major problem for road crashes can be pointed out as speeding. Speed limit is one of the most important factors for road users, drivers as well as the pedestrians. Variation of speed limit affect the travel time, comfort, economy, and safety. Operating speed models influence the design of traffic flow network models, road design, design consistency, and traffic safety. This research attempts to identify the parameters which affects for the speed variations of vehicles by selecting curved and straight roadway sections in Colombo-Galle road. The research was conducted at a random sample of 1200 vehicles in five roadway sections on road, driver and environmental characteristics. Two multiple regression models for straight and curved roadways sections were developed. The variable which effect on speed variation were found. This study can be used as a baseline for development of more comprehensive speed variation models for Sri Lankan traffic condition.