Evaluation of Colored VMS Boards

Variable message signs (VMS), often referred to as changeable message signs or dynamic message signs, present traffic information to motorists in either real-time or asynchronous static conditions. Typically installed on freeways, VMS can communicate information to motorists that includes early warning messages, advisory messages, or alternative route messages. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is in the process of installing new, permanent VMS along several corridors throughout the state. Some of these signs are capable of presenting full-color messages to approaching drivers. PennDOT wishes to exploit their use for roadway users so that drivers will be better able to plan their travel and select the best travel routes in real time. The objective of the research project described herein was to evaluate the visibility and comprehensibility of a series of alternate VMS sign designs to provide PennDOT with research-based guidance to format optimal sign designs. A subset of monochromatic VMS (amber in color), representing current usage in Pennsylvania, was also included in the study to determine the bests way to convey information using this type of sign. The results of the study show that the best design for comprehensibility and visibility of VMS signs would entail the following: (1) messages would display only time information, not travel distance information; (2) route numbers would be displayed by numbers rather than shields; (3) monochromatic signs would be used, but if colored VMS are used, the best use of color would be to display a congested travel time in red; and (4) the background would be black. Following these guidelines would result in the best comprehensibility of signs with no significant difference in the gender, age, or colorblindness of travelers.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.dot7.state.pa.us/BPR_PDF_FILES/Documents/Research/Complete%20Projects/Operations/Evaluation_of_Colored_VMS_Boards.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/36519
• Corporate Authors:

  Pennsylvania State University, University Park

  Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute
  Research Office Building
  University Park, PA  United States  16802-4710

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Bureau of Planning and Research
  400 North Street, 6th Floor
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120-0064

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Guler, S Ilgin
  • Kersavage, Kristin
  • Pietrucha, Martin T
• Publication Date: 2018-7-20

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 54p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Color; Comprehension; Design; Evaluation and assessment; Guidelines; Messages (Communications); Optimization; Variable message signs; Visibility
• Geographic Terms: Pennsylvania
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01678069
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: PA-2018-007-511601 WO 004, LTI 2018-10
• Contract Numbers: 4400015622
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 20 2018 9:21AM