BRAKE RESPONSES OF UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS TO HIGH-MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHTS

Brake responses of unsuspecting drivers to signals by a conventional brake-lamp system with and without supplemental high-mounted brake lamp(s) were compared. The experiment was conducted under normal daytime traffic conditions at speeds of 48-72 kph. The signals given by the systems with one or two supplemental high-mounted brake lamps were found to be more likely to produce a brake response by a following driver. On the other hand, the reaction times of the brake responses did not vary between the systems. The implications of the findings as well as comparisons with other relevant studies are discussed. The study of Malone et al. (1978) is cited, in which a reduction was found in rear-end collisions of taxicabs equipped with a single supplemental high-mounted brake lamp. Aspects for future evaluation are suggested: other reactions (e.g. taking foot off accelerator but not braking, changing lanes); the novelty effect; and the absence of deceleration during signal presentation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Published in HS-031 115, "Human Factors: Science for Working and Living. Human Factors Society Aunnual Meeting (24th) Proceedings," Santa Monica, California, 1980, pp 139-42. Meeting held in Los Angeles, October 1980. Research sponsored by General Motors Corporation.
• Corporate Authors:

  Highway Safety Research Institute

  Huron Parkway and Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109

  General Motors Corporation

  Warren, MI  United States  48090
• Authors:
  • Sivak, M
  • Post, D V
  • Olson, P L
  • DONOHUE, R J
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 4 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brake lamps; Braking performance; Reaction time
• Old TRIS Terms: Braking lights; High mounting
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00369660
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-031 119
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 31 1983 12:00AM