Details:

Creators:
Harder, Kathleen A. ; Bloomfield, John R.
Harder, Kathleen A. ; Bloomfield, John R. Less -
Corporate Creators:
University of Minnesota. Center for Human Factors Systems Research and Design
Corporate Contributors:
Minnesota. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Research Services
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Highway Communications
Traffic Signs And Signals--Evaluation
Variable Message Signs
Simulation

Publication/ Report Number:
MN/RC-2008-27
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Minnesota
OCLC Number:
632351583
Edition:
Final report.
Corporate Publisher:
Minnesota. Dept. of Transportation
NTL Classification:
NTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-Traffic Control Devices
Abstract:
In Phase II of this investigation, we used a fully interactive PC-based STISIM driving simulator, to conduct two

experiments which were similar to experiments in Phase I. The participants were 120 licensed drivers from three

age groups—18-24, 32-47, and 55-65 years old—who drove, in free flow traffic, for approximately 20 miles on a

four-lane freeway before encountering target messages on Changeable Message Signs (CMSs). The Phase II CMS

messages were clearer and less complex than those used in Phase I. In the first experiment the target message was

changed to “Road Closed/Crash Ahead/Use Thompson Exit:” 93.3% of the participants took the exit—as compared

to 55.8% in Phase I. In the second experiment, the message was changed to “Abducted Child/Tune To/Radio 88.5

FM:” 71.7% of the participants (71.7%) could remember enough information to enable them tune to 88.5 FM—as

compared to 8.3% who could recall some vehicle information and at least five license plate letters and numbers from

the Phase I CMS (“AMBER Alert/Red Ford Truck/ MN Lic# SLM 509”). Some participants reduced speed on

approaching the CMSs, suggesting similar reductions could occur in real world driving in free flow conditions.

However, when traffic is congested speeds are typically slower, and drivers are less likely to reduce speed still

further to read CMSs.

We conducted a survey which showed drivers think it is very useful to have information about traffic problems and

roadway maintenance schedules on CMSs. Also, we analyzed real-world traffic speed data obtained when CMS

messages were deployed. Finally, we conducted observations at Mn/DOT’s Regional Transportation Management

Center (RTMC), focusing on the decision-making processes involved when traffic-related CMS messages are

deployed.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
(c) 89261 (wo) 27
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:ebbd079fa64513cf9c86dcb61954a4ed928f24d05d8a988a509281419042a381
File Type:

Supporting Files

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