On-Road Evaluation of an In-Vehicle Curve Warning Device

Abstract

Roadway horizontal curves are the site of numerous crashes and motorist deaths each year. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective curve warning device using on-road performance and subjective evaluation. A baseline no warning condition and two multi-modal warnings were tested by 48 participants at the Virginia Smart Road closed test highway. Both warnings exhibited the same auditory (speech) and visual (Heads-Down Display) stimuli, but one also included a throttle push-back haptic stimulus. Throttle reaction times and brake reaction times were significantly quicker and curve entry speed significantly closer to an advisory speed for participants receiving a warning presentation versus those without a warning presentation. Older drivers reached more appropriate curve entry speeds than younger drivers. Driver risk-taking style was significantly related to age and curve entry speed.

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