United States Department of Transportation
i
A Safety Evaluation of UVA Vehicle Headlights
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1998-12-01
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[PDF-1.68 MB]
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Abstract:The objective of this report was to determine if driver performance can be improved through the use of fluorescent roadway delineation and auxiliary ultraviolet (UVA) vehicle headlights. Additionally, cost benefit analyses were to be conducted to determine if UVA/fluorescent technology may be an economical means of increasing highway safety. The literature review found several Swedish studies indicating sizeable increases (approximately 200%) in visibility distances for fluorescent roadway markings. Also, the literature review found no evidence of potentially harmful effects from the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the UVA headlight systems. An extensive field study was conducted to determine the effects of UVA/fluorescent technology on visibility distances and driver behavior. Using an instrumented vehicle, no differences were found in vehicle speed, lateral placement, throttle position, steering wheel reversals, or brake applications. However, there were sizeable (up to 50%) improvements in the detection and recognition distances of a variety of roadway delineations. Even larger (300%) increases in detection distances of fluorescent objects, such as a bicycle and traffic cones, were found. Drivers' subjective ratings of UVA/fluorescent technology were very favorable. The cost benefit analysis indicated that very favorable cost benefit ratios were associated with relatively modest reductions in relevant nighttime crashes and pedestrian crashes.
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