Work Zone Safety: Perceptual Countermeasures to Speeding using Synchronized Warning Lights

Abstract

A driving simulator study of perceptual countermeasures to speeding is described. Perceptual countermeasures (PC) manipulate the drivers' visual scene to help them moderate their driving speed without a conscious deliberation to do so. The use of synchronized warning lights in work zones as a PC is similar to “aero plane runway lights” flashing towards the diver. This method was implemented in a driving simulator where 16 participants drove on an open highway of 9.5 miles with a work zone of 2 miles length every mile. The effect did not achieve statistical significance in reducing mean speeds within work zones to match with the posted speed limit. A frequency domain analysis of driving speed fluctuation within work zones demonstrated that any form of flashing lights can have a pronounced effect on some individuals compared to static lights. This study's implications for agencies looking to implement synchronized warning lights are discussed in the conclusion.