Do weather conditions and weather forecasts trigger changes in our daily travel behavior

Abstract

In literature, a considerable amount of studies concerning the effects of adverse weather on traffic can be found. However, these effects are mainly assigned to three domains in traffic, namely traffic safety, network performance and traffic demand. The impact of adverse weather and forecasts on decisions that are related to travel behavior remains mainly neglected in literature.

Therefore, the main objective of this thesis is to investigate whether weather conditions and forecasts trigger changes in daily travel behavior. This question will be investigated using both a stated adaptation and a revealed preference approach. In spite of the shortcomings in literature, it is important to acquire insight in the underlying travel behavior, both in terms of traffic safety and mobility management. First, behavioral adaptations in adverse weather influence traffic intensity, the first and primary determinant of traffic safety. Second, acquiring insights in travel behavior under adverse wea