A Method for Determining Variable Message Sign (VMS) Locations for Safe Exiting at Freeway Off-Ramp based on Driving Simulation Experiments

Variable message sign (VMS) technology provides drivers with real-time traffic information about incidents, congestion, and detours, and it is one of the major components of advanced traffic information systems (ATIS). The placement of a VMS can greatly influence its effectiveness, making sign location choice a problem of particular interest. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for determining an appropriate spacing between VMS and off-ramps on freeways to allow safe driving maneuvers. The authors used a driving simulator to evaluate how drivers exit at an off-ramp when presented with route detour information from various VMS locations. They then applied binary logistic regression and factor analysis to develop a statistical model that predicts the safety of these maneuvers. Using this model, the authors suggest a method to estimate the appropriate spacing between VMS and off-ramps. The results of this study will be useful to ITS planners and designers in determining optimal VMS placement.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AND20 User Information Systems
  • Corporate Authors:

    Transportation Research Board

    500 Fifth Street, NW
    Washington, DC  United States  20001
  • Authors:
    • Oh, Cheol
    • Kim, Taehyung
    • Lee, Jaejoon
    • Choi, Saerona
    • Joo, Shinhye
  • Conference:
  • Date: 2012

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 15p
  • Monograph Title: TRB 91st Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01371348
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 12-0374
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: May 30 2012 3:01PM