Roles of driver and vehicle characteristics in speed choice along rural highways

A total of 2510 vehicle speed observations were measured from a straight section of a rural two-lane two way highway in Jordan. The mean speeds were above the maximum allowable speed (acceptable limit for citations) for passenger cars, vehicles with engine sizes of 1800 cc or more, new vehicles (1-10 years), vehicles with 1-3 passengers and drivers wearing seat belts. They were above the speed limit (posted limit on the traffic sign) and below the maximum allowable speed for young adult and adult drivers, male drivers, non-seat belt users, pickups, busses, vans, medium age vehicles (11-15 years), vehicles with four passengers and vehicles with engine sizes of less than 1800 cc. However, they were below the speed limit for older drivers, female drivers, trucks and older vehicles (>15 years). Loaded pickups and trucks had lower speeds than unloaded ones.