The present study investigated the influence of layout factors on the effectiveness of the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) during day and night conditions. In particular, the study evaluated the effect of a vertical separation between the CHMSL and the horizontal plane of conventional stop lamps and the effect of a single strip of lamps extending across the rear of the car (one extended stop lamp). While performing a laboratory tracking task, subjects responded to brake lights by depressing a brake pedal. Reaction time measures (speed and accuracy) indicated that a high CHMSL, located away from the horizontal plane of the other rear lights, results in better performance than a CHMSL located adjacent to that horizontal plane. In addition, performance with a configuration consisting of a strip of stop lamps plus a high or low CHMSL is as good as that with two separate rear stop lamps and a high CHMSL.
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