Theories and Models of Driver Behavior

A theory is the best practical human factors tool, because, as Kantowitz (2000) notes  

It fills in where data are lacking. No handbook or guideline has all the necessary data. Computational theories provide quantitative predictions needed by engineers. 

It prevents us from reinventing the wheel by allowing us to recognize similarities among problems, such as the tendency of drivers to adopt inappropriate decision criteria in many situations. 

It is reusable. Once the investment has been made to build a model for a particular domain, the theory can be recycled inexpensively to answer many system-design questions. 

In reality our behavior on the road is a combination of both typical behavior (most of the time we drive) and maximal performance (when we find ourselves in very demanding situations). Thus both approaches are usefiil, but in slightly different contexts. This being the case, many models try to incorporate both aspects of our driving our typical behaviors and our maximal performance or ability. 

---