Drivers’ response to dynamic gap assistance signs at simulated rural unsignalised T-intersections

Abstract

A high proportion of road crashes occur at intersections. Poor gap selection by drivers at intersections is implicated as a key contributory factor in intersection crashes and thus recent research has explored various forms of dynamic signage to improve gap selection by drivers at rural intersections. In this study 29 drivers encountered two distinct forms of dynamic signage, in a driving simulator, designed to support safe gap selection at unsignalised T-intersections. The key difference between the signs was the level of information provided regarding the direction and proximity of oncoming traffic. The sign presenting the most detailed information to the driver encouraged conservative gap selection at the more safety-critical short time gap, but did not affect gap selection decisions at medium or long gaps. The implications for safety at rural intersections are discussed.