Evaluation of the Impact of Spectral Power Distribution on Driver Performance

This project is a complete investigation of the impact of light-source spectrum on driver visual performance. In a series of human factors experiments, the effect of overhead lighting and headlamp spectral power distribution was evaluated with respect to driver detection and recognition of large and small objects and pedestrians. The potential for applying mesopic multiplying factors to roadway lighting was also evaluated, as was a momentary peripheral illuminator system’s effects on driver visual performance and eye-glance behavior. The results indicate that, although the momentary peripheral illuminator improved one measure of pedestrian detection, it was also a distraction to drivers. The results also indicate that at higher speeds, neither light-source spectrum nor mesopic multiplying factors apply, but mesopic multiplying factors are applicable to lighting design for lower-speed roadways and other nondriving environments.

• Record URL:
  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/15047/15047.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/35871
• Corporate Authors:

  Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

  Blacksburg, VA  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Safety Research and Development
  6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101-2296
• Authors:
  • Gibbons, Ronald B
  • Meyer, Jason
  • Terry, Travis
  • Bhagavathula, Rajaram
  • Lewis, Alan
  • Flanagan, Michael
  • Connell, Caroline
• Publication Date: 2015-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 240p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver performance; Drivers; Evaluation; Eye movements; Headlamps; Highway safety; Human factors; Street lighting; Vision
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01576250
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-HRT-15-047
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-10-C-00032
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 25 2015 4:17PM