Traffic Signs and Real-World Driver Interaction

Thomas Schnell; Nathan Smith; Mathew Cover; Carlton Richey; Jon Stoltz; Bradley Parker

doi:10.1177/03611981241230314

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Traffic Signs and Real-World Driver Interaction

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Traffic Signs and Real-World Driver Interaction

Thomas Schnell, Nathan Smith, Mathew Cover, Carlton Richey, Jon Stoltz and Bradley Parker

Transportation research record, Vol.2678(9), pp.550-561

09/2024

DOI: 10.1177/03611981241230314

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Abstract

The purpose of this field study was to compare nighttime traffic sign legibility under static (parked) and dynamic (driving) conditions using bottom-up legibility as a measure of performance. Drivers need more traffic sign luminance to recognize words on signs while driving than they need when sitting still (parked). The primary reason for this increase in luminance demand is that the driver must periodically shift visual attention away from the sign to attend to the driving task. Legibility performance was assessed with N = 18 observers driving at an assigned speed of 48 km/h (30 mph). Participants ranged in age from 55 to 77 with a mean of 66 years. At a distance of 36 m (120 ft) there was a 117% increase from the static to the dynamic demand luminance. At a longer distance of 55 m (180 ft), there was a 256% increase, and at a distance of 57 m (187 ft), the increase was 556%, and beyond that distance, we could no longer generate a luminance that was sufficient to meet the dynamic demand.

Engineering

Technology

Transportation

Engineering, Civil

Science & Technology

Transportation Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Traffic Signs and Real-World Driver Interaction
Creators: Thomas Schnell - University of Iowa
Nathan Smith - University of Iowa
Mathew Cover - University of Iowa
Carlton Richey - University of Iowa
Jon Stoltz - Univ Iowa, Operator Performance Lab, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Bradley Parker - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Transportation research record, Vol.2678(9), pp.550-561
DOI: 10.1177/03611981241230314
ISSN: 0361-1981
eISSN: 2169-4052
Publisher: Sage
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: The 3M Transportation Safety Division under a project entitled ''Performance and Safety Benefits of Full Cube Optics Sign Sheeting''
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 02/25/2024
Date published: 09/2024
Academic Unit: Neurology; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Iowa Technology Institute; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Record Identifier: 9984573659302771

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2 Times Cited - Web of Science