Seasonal Influences on Driver Behaviour: A Review of Car-Following Dynamics in Hot and Cold Climates

Understanding how seasonal variations influence driver behaviour is essential for crafting efficient traffic management systems and enhancing global road safety. Different seasons change weather conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and visibility, which can significantly impact driving patterns [1]. Despite the importance of this topic, there is a notable gap in the literature, particularly in comparative studies of driving behaviour across different seasons and climatic conditions. This review synthesises existing research on the influence of seasonal changes on car-following dynamics and driver performance.

Seasonal changes can profoundly affect various aspects of driving, including speed, headway, and driver aggressiveness. For example, high temperatures in the summer can lead to increased driver stress and fatigue, potentially resulting in more aggressive driving behaviours. In contrast, winter conditions, characterised by lower temperatures, snow, and ice, can lead to cautious driving patterns and increased headways [2]. Kehagia et al. [3] highlight the critical role of Road Safety Audits (RSA) in identifying infrastructure deficiencies and safety risks on Greek roads, with proposed measures grounded in behavioural studies. Similarly, Alruwaili and Xie [4] demonstrate how connected vehicle (CV) technologies can mitigate driver unawareness and traffic conflicts, particularly on horizontal curves, while accounting for the influence of weather conditions on safety outcomes. Likewise, Adeliyi et al. [5] examine road traffic accident severity using machine learning models, identifying key contributing factors such as casualties, weather, lighting conditions, and the number of vehicles involved, with the J48 pruned tree model outperforming other predictive approaches. Furthermore, Bal and Vleugel [6] address the environmental challenges posed by freight transport, exploring how substituting maritime transport with road and rail alternatives can reduce emissions without compromising logistics. Understanding these seasonal effects, drivers' behaviour, and road safety modelling techniques are essential for tailoring traffic regulations, enhancing road safety measures, and improving vehicle design to accommodate different weather conditions [7].

This review paper is essential for comprehensively understanding how environmental factors, such as weather conditions, influence driver behaviour across different seasons. By synthesising studies from various climatic regions, the paper highlights key patterns and differences in driving behaviour, offering valuable insights for developing targeted traffic management strategies, informing policy decisions, and improving infrastructure planning. Furthermore, this review identifies significant gaps in the current literature and suggests directions for future research, aiming to advance our understanding of how environmental factors shape driver behaviour and impact road safety and efficiency.

The primary aim of this review is to analyse and integrate existing research on the impact of seasonal variations on driver behaviour, particularly focusing on car-following dynamics. This paper identifies common trends, discrepancies, and research gaps by examining the interplay between seasonal factors and driver behaviour, providing a foundation for future investigations. Understanding these dynamics enables policymakers and traffic authorities to design more effective interventions, improving road safety and traffic flow year-round. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to developing strategies that enhance road transportation systems' safety and efficiency in response to seasonal challenges. This comprehensive analysis will help identify areas for further research and guide efforts to address the impact of environmental conditions on driver behaviour.

The methodology for this review paper was developed using a systematic approach to comprehensively gather, analyse, and synthesise existing research on seasonal influences on driver behaviour, particularly car-following dynamics in both hot and cold climates. The research process involved an extensive search of peer-reviewed literature across major scientific databases, including Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as "driver behaviour," "seasonal influence," "car-following dynamics," "hot climates," and "cold climates" were strategically combined using Boolean operators to maximise the search results and capture relevant studies. This study considers specific extreme weather conditions, including snow, ice, sun glare, fog, and extreme heat, reflecting the diverse environmental factors influencing driving behaviour.

The selection criteria were carefully defined to include studies that focused on the impact of environmental conditions, "whether extremely hot or cold," on car-following behaviour, traffic volume, speed adjustments, and overall traffic flow. The review prioritised studies published within the last two decades to ensure that recent developments and trends in driver behaviour were captured, as advancements in technology and traffic management practices have significantly evolved during this period. Foundational studies published before this timeframe were excluded unless they offered critical theoretical insights, which were otherwise addressed through secondary citations.

After an initial screening of abstracts and titles, complete articles were assessed based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were included if they provided empirical data, substantial theoretical insights, or robust models on the effects of weather on driver behaviour. Exclusion criteria applied to studies that lacked relevance to seasonal influences were limited to simulations without empirical validation or focused exclusively on unrelated driving aspects. Biases in the literature search were minimised by diversifying databases, applying consistent search protocols, and involving multiple reviewers to cross-check the study selection process. The selected studies were then categorised based on the environmental conditions examined, their geographical focus, and the methodologies employed.

A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify recurring patterns, discrepancies, and gaps in the literature. This synthesis incorporated findings from studies conducted in diverse geographical regions and climatic contexts to provide a balanced perspective. Specific focus was placed on the variations in car-following behaviour between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks, the influence of combined weather conditions, and how road geometry and maintenance exacerbate or mitigate these effects. The review highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions on car-following dynamics and outlines targeted areas for future research to advance traffic management and road safety.

This comprehensive review highlights the significant impact of environmental conditions on road safety, particularly how extreme hot and cold weather affect driving performance, leading to increased accident rates and more aggressive driving behaviours. The synthesis of findings from various studies emphasises the importance of developing targeted interventions to address seasonal challenges. For example, improving road maintenance during winter and implementing public awareness campaigns about heat-related fatigue could help mitigate risks and enhance traffic safety.

However, several gaps in the literature remain. Future research should focus on integrative studies that explore the combined effects of multiple environmental factors and longitudinal studies to track changes in driver behaviour over time. Furthermore, demographic differences in responses to seasonal changes and psychological aspects like Seasonal Affective Disorder need more attention. These areas are crucial for creating more effective and comprehensive road safety strategies.

To advance the field, future studies should explore how regional differences in climate, infrastructure, and driving culture may influence the observed effects of environmental conditions on driving behaviour. This understanding could inform the development of region-specific road safety policies and interventions. Ultimately, policymakers and authorities can enhance road safety year-round by adopting a more holistic and longitudinal approach and incorporating mental health considerations into road safety programs. Continuous adaptation of traffic management strategies to seasonal variations will ensure safer driving conditions across diverse environments and seasons.