MOTORIST DIRECTION-FINDING AIDS: RECOVERY FROM FREEWAY EXISTING ERRORS

Two controlled field experiments were conducted to investigate driver direction-finding performance following a missed exit error on a freeway. A total of 118 male and female subjects was observed as they attempted to navigate to a preassigned destination after an induced error. The effectiveness of road maps, an interactive phone information center, and a schematic map generated by a simulated computerized information center were studied. Unaided subjects were observed to have considerable difficulty in recovering from the missed exit error. Use of road maps increased route-finding efficiency. However, a significant proportion of the subjects could not or would not use available maps. The more sophisticated navigational aids were the most effective in improving direction-finding performance. Subjects using the schematic map from the computerized information center performed the best. A severe motorist direction-finding problem exists and additional studies are required to identify practical solutions that can be implemented on a wide scale. It is also concluded that improved motorist direction-finding is a major means to conserve fuel. (Author)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Federal Highway Administration

    Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike
    McLean, VA  United States  22101
  • Authors:
    • Mast, T M
    • Lareau Jr, W
  • Publication Date: 1984-12

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 57 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00395184
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: RD-82-098
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1988 12:00AM