THE EFFECT OF REAR LIGHTING CONFIGURATIONS ON VEHICLE TRAFFIC FLOW CHARACTERISTICS

This is a report of an investigation of the effects of different rear lighting and signaling configurations on measures felt to be important in determining traffic flow characteristics. Three studies are reported: two conducted during the night and one during the day. The two nighttime studies employed three different rear lighting configurations. The first study was carried out with a two-car platoon and the second with a three-car platoon. The only significant differences were in reaction time measures. A configuration having separation of function and color coding produced shorter reaction times than the other systems tested. The daytime study was conducted primarily to investigate the value of high-mounted signal lamps. It was found that the high-mounted signal lamps significantly shortened reaction times in multiple car-following situations.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • From the Factors Influencing the effectiveness of Automotive Rear Lighting Systems. Sponsored by the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, Incorporated, Dtroit, Michigan.
• Corporate Authors:

  Highway Safety Research Institute

  Huron Parkway and Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109
• Authors:
  • Olson, P L
• Publication Date: 1975-10-31

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 49 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Car following; Color codes; Daylight; Night; Reaction time; Rear lighting; Traffic flow
• Old TRIS Terms: High mounting; Rear lights
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00134721
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Highway Safety Research Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1976 12:00AM