New research on the supposedly irrational patterns of behavior by drivers shows that bad driving decisions are predictable.
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
FULL STORY: Behavioral Economics Offers Insights and Strategies for Improving Transportation
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A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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