Analyzing Drivers’ Mental Patterns Using Q-Methodology

摘要: The human factor is the most important cause of road accidents. Investigating drivers’ mental patterns can lead to a better understanding of factors that affect drivers make mistake and thus increase the likelihood an accident. In this study, as human characteristic are determined through questionnaire survey. To do this, 166 participants (18 - 65 years) were asked express their opinion on possible effect 25 the occurrence accidents. These selected investigation of accident database during last three years in different areas the case study. analyze data extracted from survey, Q-methodology was used. results analysis showed there 5 mental patterns among participants. Based driver’s opinion, factors and road conditions least influential accident-generating items, respectively. significant reason for accidents determined by was errors including 1) unauthorized overtaking, 2) unauthorized speed, 3) driver distractions (such cell phone), 4) driver physical disability visual impairment). Moreover, failure the vehicle mostly reported as another influential contributor It is worth mentioning this study be used minimize accidents resulted behavioral errors suggesting strategies enhancing performance new manuals which step towards safer road.