Details:

Creators:
Lerner, Neil D. ; Benel, Denise C.R. ; Huey, Richard W. ; Steinberg, Geoffrey V
Lerner, Neil D. ; Benel, Denise C.R. ; Huey, Richard W. ; Steinberg, Geoffrey V Less -
Corporate Creators:
Comsis Corporation
Contributors:
Alicandri, Elizabeth
Corporate Contributors:
United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research and Development
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Aged Drivers Human Factors Safety Signs
Publication/ Report Number:
FHWA-RD-96-161
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
United States
Corporate Publisher:
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
Abstract:
The objective of this research project was to identify conspicuity, recognizability, and comprehensibility problems with object markers, particularly as they relate to the needs and capabilities of the older driver. This was accomplished through a series of tasks and three sets of experiments (problem identification, laboratory and field studies) which determined through empirical research the effect of selected enhancements on the design and implementation of current object markers. Specifically, emphasis was placed on optimizing the design and implementation of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 object markers in order to increase conspicuity, recognizability, and comprehension, while eliminating confusion with other devices. Changes including size, color, shape, placement, and symbology were investigated under daytime and nighttime conditions for various roadway geometries. Additionally, object markers employing active technology (e.g., flashing beacons) were evaluated for comprehension and conspicuity in a field setting. While the specific meanings of current markers were not necessarily well understood by subjects, the general message of caution, general hazard, or general warning was typically conveyed in a field setting. Findings from the studies of static markers did not produce results that strongly support the adoption of new markers over existing object markers. While novel markings generally led to higher conspicuity, the magnitude of this improvement was small and generally not statistically significant. Using the findings from the lab and field studies, a cost-benefit analysis found that for the passive markers, two of the new novel markers (Double Modified Chevron and cone symbol) demonstrated good results when a high weight was placed on conspicuity. The device with the lowest benefit-cost payoff was the painted pavement hash marks. None of the additional costs of the active device applications were justified on the basis of the cost-benefit analysis. Recommendations for changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were discussed and suggestions were made for future research.
Format:
PDF
Funding:
DTFH61-92-C-00043
Collection(s):
Federal Highway Administration
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:36afbec36e6ab5c63b11755ab8724ceca25b9ea4ac5d6c8fd714cce8397c14a8
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/68079/dot_68079_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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