Impact of Perceptual Speed Calming Curve Countermeasures on Drivers’ Anticipation and Mitigation Ability: A Driving Simulator Study

Horizontal curves are unavoidable in rural roads and are a serious crash risk to vehicle occupants. This study investigates the impact and effectiveness of three curve based perceptual speed-calming countermeasures (advance curve warning signs, chevron signs, and a heads-up display (HUD) sign) on drivers’ hazard anticipation and mitigation behavior across both left and right curves with both a sharp radius (200 m) and flat radius (500 m). Flat and sharp curves with indications of a safety problem were virtually developed in a full-scale driving simulator. Forty-eight participants were recruited with an age range of 18 to 34, and a driving experience range of 0.25 to 17.75 years. Experimental results showed that speed selection and lateral control in the horizontal curves differed with respect to curve radii, direction, and the type of countermeasures present. These differences in behavior are likely due to curve-related disparities, the type of perceptual countermeasure, and the presence of a hazard at the apex of the curve. Heads-up displays were found to be effective at not only reducing the drivers’ speed in the curve, but also in improving the latent hazard anticipation ability of the driver at the apex of the curve. The findings from this study are significant as they indicate the behavioral differences and speed decisions of the drivers when driving in flat and sharp and left and right directional curves along with the importance of the measures to be taken to reduce crashes at sharp horizontal curves and enhance the drivers’ safety on dangerous portions of roadway networks.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 36p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01670239
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
  • Created Date: May 24 2018 5:21PM