Examining the Effects of a Signless Roadway: Holographic Traffic Control Devices and their Potential for Replacing Traditional Post-Mounted Traffic Control Devices

In this research, the behavior of subjects as they drive on a road containing only traffic control devices (TCD) of holographic nature is evaluated. Subjects participating in the experiment were asked to drive three different scenarios in a full-scale driving simulator. The three different scenarios (A, B, and C) had the same rural two-lane highway geometry. The only difference across scenarios was the TCD included. Scenario A included no regulatory or warning signs. Scenario B included traditional post-mounted regulatory and warning signs. Finally, Scenario C did not include physical signs but relied on holographic-style traffic control devices. To understand the driver behavior, the speed profiles of drivers across all three scenarios were evaluated in order to assess if the use of holographic-style traffic control devices has the potential for replacing post-mounted signs. An analysis of the average speeds at critical points across eight curves within the scenarios suggests that virtual TCD signage could encourage driving behaviors that are similar to those observed in a traditionally signed environment. In accordance with the objective of the research presented, it was determined that in-vehicle-displayed TCD have the potential to replace post-mounted signs. However, more testing is required under an expanded number of scenarios that include different types of regulatory and warnings signs as well as guidance signs.

• Record URL:
  http://safersim.nads-sc.uiowa.edu/final_reports/UW-2-Y1_Report.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/31711
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wisconsin, Madison

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  1415 Engineering Drive
  Madison, WI  United States  53706

  Safety Research Using Simulation University Transportation Center (SaferSim)

  University of Iowa
  Iowa City, IA  United States  52242

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Noyce, David A
  • Chitturi, Madhav V
  • Markosian, James
  • Farhat, Iman
  • Santiago-Chaparro, Kelvin R
• Publication Date: 2016-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 69p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Drivers; Driving simulators; Evaluation and assessment; Highway curves; Holography; Instrument displays; Operating speed; Rural highways; Traffic control devices; Two lane highways
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01624548
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 2017 4:14PM