Factors influencing drivers' queue-jumping behavior at urban intersections: A covariance-based structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Queue-jumping is widely acknowledged as one of the most vexing driving behaviors and a prevalent traffic violation at urban intersections in China, exerting detrimental effects on both traffic operational efficiency and safety. To investigate the motivational factors underlying drivers' queue-jumping behavior at urban intersections, a questionnaire was designed to collect data based on an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). A total of 427 valid responses were received through an online self-reported questionnaire survey conducted in China. The Pearson's chi-square test was employed to examine potential demographic disparities in self-reported queue-jumping behavior among drivers at urban intersections. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) with bootstrapping was utilized to elucidate the impact of various factors on drivers' engagement in queue-jumping behavior. The findings revealed significant gender and age differences regarding drivers' propensity for queue-jumping at urban intersections, with male and young drivers exhibiting higher inclination compared to female and older counterparts, respectively. Furthermore, the extended TPB effectively accounted for both behavioral intention and actual occurrence of queue-jumping among drivers at urban intersections. Behavioral intention (<italic>β</italic> = 0.391, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002) and perceived behavior control (<italic>β</italic> = 0.282, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002) emerged as influential determinants of queue-jumping. Among all influencing factors shaping drivers' behavioral intention toward engaging queue-jumping at urban intersections, attitude (<italic>β</italic> = 0.316, <italic>p</italic> = 0.005) proved to be the most significant factor followed by perceived risk (<italic>β</italic> = 0.230, <italic>p</italic> = 0.001), moral norms (<italic>β</italic> = 0.184, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002), subjective norms (<italic>β</italic> = 0.175, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002), and perceived behavior control (<italic>β</italic> = 0.122, <italic>p</italic> = 0.05). These results offer valuable insights for urban road traffic managers seeking effective strategies for public awareness campaigns as well as practical intervention measures aimed at curbing improper driving behavior of queue-jumping at urban intersections.</p> </abstract>