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Variable message signs -which comprise a type of advanced traveller information systems -can affect driver behaviour, especially considering route choice. Hence, their operation is integrated in traffic management strategies for the mitigation of traffic congestion. This research explores the factors determining driver response to variable message signs (VMSs) in the city of Athens. A stated preference questionnaire survey is undertaken and discrete choice analysis is performed towards this aim. More specifically, a random-effect ordered probit model is estimated that provides insight on the contributory factors that influence driver propensity to divert, when provided with information on incident occurrence via VMSs. Message characteristics, that is, incident type, impact and suggestion for an alternative route, trip characteristics, such as vehicle type, as well as, driver characteristics, such as driver age and income, have been found to affect driver behaviour. Furthermore, appropriate models are also estimated for subsets of the driving population (considering gender and age) and specific similarities and differences between the population behaviours are identified.

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Mobile phone use while driving is a major cause of driver distraction, affecting driving performance and increasing accident risk. Governments have responded to this with the implementation of legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones, under specific conditions, mainly adopting the hands-free use. Still, mobile phone is a cause of several types of distraction rather than just manual. This study explores the effect of mobile phone use while driving via a simulator experiment. Participants drive under various types of mobile phone use mode- namely, handheld, hands-free (wired earphone), and speaker to capture this effect. Results highlight the effect of mobile phone use, regardless of the use mode, on driving behaviour through specific indicators: maximum driving speed, reaction time, and lateral position. In particular, considering the aforementioned parameters the handheld mode demonstrates safer driving behaviour compared to the speaker mode. The results of this study stress the need for a reconsideration of the present legislation.