Empirical study of drivers´ learning behavior and reliance on VMS

Variable message signs (VMS) are helpful assisting drivers in selecting appropriate routes and improving the efficiency and utilities of road networks. Although VMS have been welcomed by drivers, but their compliance with VMS suggestions is low. By reviewing lots of literatures, the factors that influence drivers´ learning behavior and route choice behavior under VMS are summarized, and it is found that drivers´ reliance on VMS is a critical factor connecting drivers´ learning behavior and route choice behavior in their decision-making process. Since reliance is difficult to quantize, a structural equation model is introduced based on the problem pattern to measure it, also the casual relationship of drivers´ personal attributes, route choice behavior, learning behavior and reliance on VMS are clarified. The specified model demonstrated excellent fitness with multiple measures, and the empirical results and conclusions have been proved to be logical.