RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEISMIC INTENSITY AND DRIVERS' REACTION IN THE 2003 MIYAGIKEN-OKI EARTHQUAKE

Abstract

The relationship between the seismic intensity and the reactions of expressways drivers was investigated based on the questionnaire survey conducted by Japan Highway Public Corporation in the 2003 Sanriku-Minami earthquake. Only 40 % of drivers were aware of the earthquake in the areas where the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity is smaller than 4.0. On the contrary, more than 80 % of drivers recognized the earthquake in the areas where the JMA seismic intensity is larger than 4.0. The abnormal vibration of the vehicle was indicated as the reason why the drivers recognized the earthquake. Hence, the seismic motion is considered to affect the safe and stable driving.