THE ROLE OF CURVE RADIUS AND ANGLE IN THE SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF ROAD CURVATURE

This study was concerned with the effect that the geometric variables curve radius and curve angle and the level of experimental instruction had on a driver's perception of curvature of an approaching road bend. Two experiments were performed where subjects estimated the magnitude of curvature of a set of perspective road-like scenes in relation to a standard view presented. The results showed that with multi-factorial presentation of the variables, curve angle had a major influence on curvature assessment whereas curve radius and the level of experimental instruction were less important in this task. Single manipulations of the two geometric variables confirmed that subjects were able to discriminate between the levels chosen for each factor. These findings are in contrast to that expected from curve geometry and support the notion of an illusive curve phenomenon on the road. (Author/TRRL)

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 73-86

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00389916
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM