Modification of Driver Behavior by Use of Novel Roadway Delineation Systems

Abstract

The paper describes the results of a study that has as its major objective the modification of driver behavior on high accident horizontal curves through the use of novel delineation systems. Delineation systems are systems of roadway markers that provide the driver with information about the path and demands of the road. A delineation system includes the following elements: (1) delineator type, (2) delineator characteristics such as size, shape, color, message content, and type of reflective material, and (3) delineator system geometry which includes the number of delineators, height of placement, and lateral placement from the road's edge. An extremely large number of different delineation systems can be obtained by changing any of the elements of the delineation system. This research studied three types of delineators: (1) post delineators, (2) raised pavement markers, and (3) transverse stripe pavement markings. Several variations of delineator geometry and delineator characteristics were studied. The hypothesis that was tested was that delineators could be arranged into systems that induce perceptual illusions in drivers concerning a curve's speed and path requirements. The mismatch between actual demands and perceptual demands would result in reduced speeds and lateral placement variability.

The research consisted of several phases: (1) static and dynamic psychophysical laboratory testing in a simulated environment, (2) field testing using jury techniques, (3) field testing of road users, and (4) exploratory testing using an instrumented vehicle to collect eye movement and control data. Early phases of the research focused on reducing the large numbers of possible delineation systems to a candidate set of systems that could be evaluated in a field setting. Five different delineations systems were installed at different field sites and evaluated. The conclusion of the study was that delineation systems could be used to modify driver behavior on high accident rural curves in a positive way.

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