EFFECTS OF SIGN ILLUMINATION ON DRIVER BEHAVIOR

This study's purpose was to determine the effects on driver performance of illuminating overhead guide signs. The method used was to analyze erratic driving maneuvers at three successive signs, both before and after their illumination. No change in traffic performance attributable to sign lighting was measured. The test site may have been so complex that lighting signs alone was insufficient to produce practically significant operational improvements. Additionally, erratic maneuver counting may not have been a sensitive enough method to detect changes in performance. Subjectively, however, the illuminated signs were judged to be an improvement because they provided noticeably earlier recognition time and longer reading and comprehension times, thus increasing driver comfort and safety.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/ResearchProj1031
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponosred by and prepared in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  1220 Washington Avenue
  Albany, NY  United States  12232
• Authors:
  • Hahn, K C
• Publication Date: 1976-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 25 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Behavior; Driver performance; Drivers; Guide signs; Illuminated traffic signs; Overhead traffic signs; Perception; Personnel performance; Problem drivers; Reading; Reckless drivers; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Subjective analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Erratic driving behavior; Recognition
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153883
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• ISBN: Research Proj. 103-1
• Report/Paper Numbers: NYSDOT-ERD-76-SR-44 Final Rpt., FCP 41N2772
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM