EFFECTS OF VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS FOR SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS ON REPORTED DRIVER BEHAVIOUR

A previous field study by Rama and Kulmala (2000) in this journal showed that a variable message sign (VMS) warning about slippery road conditions reduced the mean speed by 1-2 km/hour. The study also showed that a VMS recommending a minimum following distance between vehicles decreased the proportion of tailgating. However, the signs may have other effects on driver behavior besides those measurable in terms of speed and following. This study was designed to investigate such potential effects. 114 drivers who had encountered the slippery road condition sign and 111 drivers who had encountered the sign showing recommended minimum following distance in adverse road surface conditions were interviewed. Results suggest that these VMS do have other effects, such as the refocusing of attention to seek cues on potential hazards, testing the slipperiness of the road, and more careful passing behavior. Other results are discussed.

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• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

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  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • Luoma, J
  • RAMA, P
  • PENTTINEN, M
  • ANTTILA, V
• Publication Date: 2000-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 75-84
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1369-8478
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13698478

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile drivers; Automobile driving; Field studies; Following distance; Highway traffic; Highway transportation; Human factors; Slipperiness; Tailgating; Traffic relationships; Traffic safety; Variable message signs
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00796052
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 21 2000 12:00AM