In-Vehicle Decision Support to Reduce Crashes at Rural Thru-Stop Intersections

Abstract

At rural thru-stop intersections a minor road controlled by a stop sign crosses a highway; such intersections present major safety challenges because it is easy for drivers attempting to cross or enter the highway to make judgment errors about safe gaps in highway traffic. New types of intelligent infrastructure hold the promise of improving safety; sensors can be placed in an intersection to detect the distance and speed of oncoming traffic and radio it to intelligent warning devices in the intersection or within a vehicle. Previous studies have investigated the efficacy of intelligent signs positioned in an intersection; however, intersection geometry can make it difficult to position signs so drivers can simultaneously watch both the sign and oncoming traffic. The goals of this work are to investigate the feasibility and future promise of warning systems inside the vehicle, where interfaces may be best placed, and what modes of information delivery are most effective (visual versus haptic). Haptic interfaces show promise because they are often effective at getting a driver's attention in noisy conditions without taking the driver's eyes off the road.