Pedestrian crowd tactical-level decision making during emergency evacuations

Abstract

This paper investigates pedestrian crowd tactical-level decision making during emergency evacuations. Of particular interest is crowd exit-choice behaviour. Two sources of stated choice data are collected and combined. One data set is derived from an experiment linked to a real-life exit choice experience of participants (in a non-evacuation setting). We examine aspects that have often been taken for granted in the literature in connection with egress behaviour of crowds during emergencies. We quantify evacuees' trade-off between “distance”, “density”, “exit visibility” and “directional density” as well as the interactive effect between exit visibility and tendency to follow others. A compre..