Determining Effective Orientation and Location of Decision Support Signs at Rural Intersections

Abstract

Drivers face an increased crash risk when making gap acceptance decisions at high speed, unsignalized, rural intersections. The use of Stop-Sign Assist (SSA) intersection decision-support systems aims to assist drivers with these difficult decisions. This effort to identify effective placement of SSA systems will play a critical role in how the information is interpreted and utilized to successfully navigate an intersection. A driving simulator was used to present virtual representations of an intersection in Minnesota where SSA signs are planned for deployment. This study suggested which angles and locations would result in faster and more accurate comprehension of the signs. These results provide guidance for more effective comprehension, viewing, and acceptance of IDS signs at similar rural, trunk highway intersections.