Analysis of drivers' horn use factors at intersections in an urban area of Taiwan

In urban areas in many countries, noise pollution is generated by the frequent use of car and motorcycle horns. It is necessary to clarify the causes of horn use and propose measures to control horn use. To investigate relationships between drivers' horn use and factors such as driver awareness, behaviour, and vehicular environment, a questionnaire survey was carried out in Taipei city, Taiwan. Respondents were asked about usual horn use, understanding of regulations about horn use, impressions of horn sounds as well as personal attributes. Furthermore, questionnaire involved questions concerning intrinsic factors (i.e., attitude, personal norm, etc.), those about how often they want to use a horn when driving (i.e., behavioural intention), and judgements whether to use a horn under specific traffic conditions presented. As a result, correct answer rates on understanding of regulations were not high. Regarding relationships between intrinsic factors and behavioural intention of horn use, factors such as attitude, perceived behavioral control and moral obligation were related to the strength of behavioral intention represented by the frequency of wanting to use a horn. Regarding the extrinsic factors, logistic regression analysis revealed that speed differences from the opponent's vehicle, and interruptions by other vehicles affected driver's horn use.