Driver Decision Making in Response to Alternate Routes

NHTSA · 2011 · ROSA P / Wisconsin. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This document is a transportation literature search prepared for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to identify authoritative research on driver decision-making regarding alternate routes during lane restrictions or closures. The review synthesizes findings from studies on route choice analysis, Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), traffic network modeling, and federal resources. The primary objective is to understand how drivers respond to real-time traffic information and what factors influence their compliance with diversion recommendations. The reviewed literature employs diverse methodologies, including laboratory experiments using "thinking aloud" protocols, driving simulators, stated preference surveys, and empirical analysis of real-world data such as Bluetooth probe tracking, loop detector records, and license plate readers. Key studies include process-oriented analyses of cognitive decision-making, evaluations of Smart Work Zone deployments on Interstate 95, and assessments of Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) effectiveness in Richmond, Virginia, and Shanghai, China. Additionally, research examined long-haul truck driver behavior using revealed preference data and compared en-route diversion behaviors between Chicago and San Francisco commuters. Findings indicate that driver route choice is influenced by a complex mix of factors beyond simple travel time comparisons. Drivers employ diverse strategies, including habitual route selection, exploratory switching, and anticipation of others' choices. The effectiveness of diversion messages depends heavily on specificity; drivers respond more strongly to messages providing exact delay times and specific alternate route information compared to generic warnings. In work zones, real-time delay information alone resulted in negligible diversion, but targeted, "trail-blazed" alternate routes increased diversion rates to over 30%. Driver compliance with ATIS and DMS is correlated with the perceived quality and accuracy of the information, as well as the driver’s spatial knowledge and risk tolerance. For instance, drivers in Chicago showed higher diversion propensity than those in San Francisco, partly due to greater familiarity with alternate routes. Furthermore, non-traffic messages on DMS had minimal impact on traffic flow during non-peak hours, whereas specific wording and formatting (e.g., title case, left-justified) improved diversion effectiveness. The significance of this research lies in optimizing Intelligent Transportation Systems to reduce delay, fuel consumption, and emissions. Effective diversion strategies can yield substantial economic benefits, such as estimated annual savings of over $1 million for Virginia DOT through a modest reduction in incident-related delay costs. The literature suggests that ATIS design must account for individual differences, including trust in technology, perceived usefulness, and ease of use. Customized, accurate, and specific information is critical for increasing driver compliance and maximizing the benefits of traffic management systems.

Key finding

Driver decision-making to use alternate routes is significantly influenced by the specificity and accuracy of provided traffic information, with detailed travel time and delay messages yielding higher diversion rates than generic warnings.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• speed choice
• traffic density
• feedback modes
• mental model of traffic

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model, computational model