Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

This paper describes a accuracy versus speed paradigm for evaluating signing and traffic signal conditions using low cost simulation technology. Two research examples are reviewed. One study involved the use of an interactive driving simulator that included the presentation of high resolution signs over the apparent viewing range from 500 to 50 feet. Drivers had to control vehicle speed and lane position while identifying the meaning of symbol signs as rapidly as possible. Subjects were scored in terms of correctness and the distance at which signs were identified. A second study involved a computer controlled presentation of static signalled intersection scenes, including supplemental signs, to subjects who were required to make decisions about permissive movements. Subjects were required to make decisions about permissive movements as rapidly as possible, and were scored by the computer on correctness and response time. Results in both studies showed that both response speed and correctness degrade with the complexity of signal and sign treatments.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Allen

R.W

Jex

H.R.

(1980), “Driving Simulation - Requirements, Mechanization and Application.” SAE Paper 800448, Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale, PA.

Allen

R.W.

Parseghian

Van Valkenburgh

P.G.

(1980), Age Effects on Symbol Sign Recognition, FHWA RD-80-126, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC.

Allen

R.W.

Parseghian

Van Valkenburgh

P.G.

(1980), “A Simulator Evaluation of Age Effects on Symbol Sign Recognition,” Proceedings of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, pp. 471–475.

Allen

R.W.

Hill

Sumner

(1986), Traffic Signal Display Complexity, Systems Technology, Inc. final report TR 1204-1, prepared for National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, DC.

Allen

R.W.

(1991), “A Human Factors Simulation Investigation of Driver Route Diversion and Alternate Route Selection Using In-Vehicle Navigation Systems,” SAE Paper 912731, Society of Automobile Engineers, Warrendale, PA.

Federal Highway Administration (1988), Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, US Dept. of Transportation, Washington, DC.

Federal Highway Administration (1978), Standard Highway Signs, US Dept. of Transportation, Washington, DC.

Schwartz

S.H.

Allen

R.W.

Stein

A.C.

(1978), “A Simulator Study of Driver Reaction to Metric Speed Signs,” presented at the International Symposium on Traffic Control Systems, University of California, Berkeley, CA.

Krendal

E.S.

(1988), “Pilot Decision Making During Low Altitude Windshear Encounters,” AIAA Paper No. 884187.

10.

Stein

A.C.

Allen

R.W.

Schwartz

S.H.

(1978), “Use of Reward-Penalty Structures in Human Experimentation,” in Fourteenth Annual Conference on Manual Control. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, CP-2060, pp. 267–278.

11.

Stein

A.C.

(1986), Overhead Guide Sign Visibility Factors, FHWA RD 88 196, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC.

Simulator Evaluation of Road Signs and Signals

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References