Driver Reaction Time Analysis with Respect to Gender and Educational Qualifications of Male and Female Drivers in Indian Mixed Traffic Conditions

Abstract

Both the human and automobile populations are growing exponentially as the world expands in the name of development. As a result, there are more accidents and more people confused. Particularly in India's mixed traffic conditions, driver reaction times are crucial in reducing or preventing accidents on the roadways. In order to determine the reaction times of drivers operating three-wheelers, cars (light motor vehicles), buses (heavy motor vehicles), and two-wheelers, a thorough test was carried out on 2000 samples of drivers in Bengaluru City. The resulting reaction times were coded and separated according to the drivers' educational backgrounds and gender. The "Easy fit" program was then used to analyse the data and determine the statistical characteristics. After analysis, the results were examined and conclusions were made. In general, though more slowly than in recent decades, the world's population is nevertheless increasing. It was expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, having surpassed 7.8 billion by 2022.  With approximately 1.19 million fatalities per year, automobile accidents remain a major global public health hazard. Urbanization, sustainability, and resource management are all made more difficult by this expansion. Due to the population's reliance on transportation for a variety of needs, safe and effective transportation infrastructure is required. Transportation is clearly moving toward more efficient and sustainable forms. Environmental concerns and battery technological breakthroughs are driving the growing popularity of electric cars (EVs). After the results were analyzed, they were examined and conclusions made. The general The global population is still increasing, but more slowly than in earlier decades. It exceeded 7.8 billion by 2022 and was expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050.  More than 1.19 million people are killed in automobile accidents each year, making them a serious global public health concern. In terms of sustainability, urbanization, and resource management, this expansion poses difficulties. Facilities for safe and effective transportation are necessary because the populace depends on them for a variety of needs. There is a discernible trend in transportation toward more efficient and sustainable forms. Concerns about the environment and improvements in battery technology are driving the popularity of electric vehicles, or EVs. In order to lessen dependency on private vehicles, there is also a greater focus on public transportation, bike infrastructure, and urban design. Nonetheless, problems like traffic jams, infrastructure development, and striking a balance between environmental impact and accessibility continue to exist on a worldwide scale. As the number of vehicles increases, the safety of the drivers and passengers becomes the most important requirement to be addressed among these organizations. Anxiety, panic, perplexity, and other emotions are brought on by increased road traffic and population, and these factors will affect a driver's perception and reaction times.Distractions in the ergonomics of the dashboard of modern cars cause further delays in the drivers' reaction times in emergency situations. In the midst of this, cars are increasingly switching from manual to automatic gearboxes, which has a significant impact on drivers' response times in emergency situations. An examination of this driver behavior phenomenon in relation to gender would provide insight into the evolving patterns of the drivers' perception and reaction times, which are collectively referred to as Driver Reaction Times (DRTs). The main findings were that male drivers with less than a 10th grade education had wildly erratic reaction times, which suggested a lack of cognitive preparation and an increased risk of accidents. Due to their difficulties with decision-making and road awareness, drivers with lower levels of education were more likely to make mistakes in intricate urban traffic. Due to poor cognitive processing and traffic awareness, female drivers with less than a tenth grade education exhibited delayed and erratic reactions. Low levels of education cause slower reactions and a higher risk of accidents in heavy traffic, particularly for female drivers who face social hurdles. Due to literacy-related problems and a lack of driving experience, female drivers with low levels of education showed sluggish, distorted reactions, increasing the likelihood of accidents in clogged Indian traffic.