How can game theory contribute to understanding road user behaviour?
Game theory provides a framework for understanding how road users make strategic decisions in response to one another, rather than simply following traffic rules. It models everyday interactions—such as those between drivers and pedestrians at crossings—as coordination or ‘leader games’ revealing why people often behave predictably yet not always in line with regulations. In this talk, Torkel Bjørnskau will outline key principles and mechanisms of game theory and demonstrate how they help explain real-world traffic interactions that diverge from formal rules. Several examples of typical ‘traffic games’ will be presented.
About the speakers
Torkel Bjørnskau is a senior researcher at the Institute of Transport Economics (TØI) in Oslo, Norway, with over 30 years of experience in traffic and transport safety research. He holds a doctorate in political science (Dr. polit.), with a dissertation exploring how game theory can be used to understand road user behaviour.
Torkel’s research focuses on road user behaviour, interactions among different groups of road users—such as motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and e-scooter riders—and on the broader safety culture in transport. His main research themes include game-theoretic modelling of road user interaction, safety culture, vulnerable road users, and behavioural adaptation. His work bridges behavioural theory, empirical data and survey research, and practical applications aimed at improving traffic safety.
When and how
Friday, 28 November 2025
15:00-16:00 CET (time convertor)
Format: Zoom webinar/meeting
Registration
Attending the webinar is free, but registration in advance is required.
GDPR note: The webinar will be automatically recorded and later openly published on the ICTCT website and YouTube channel. By registering, you agree that both your voice and video image may appear in the recording.
