The effect of pavement markings on driving behaviour in curves: a simulator study.

This study investigates the effect of two pavement markings (transverse rumble strips (TRS) and a backward pointing herringbone pattern (HP)) on speed and lateral control in and nearby curves. Two real-world curves with strong indications of a safety problem were replicated as realistic as possible in the simulator. Results show that both speed and lateral control differ between the curves. These behavioural differences are probably due to curve-related dissimilarities with respect to geometric alignment, cross-sectional design and speed limit. TRS and HP both influenced mean speed and mean acceleration/deceleration but not lateral control. TRS generated an earlier and more stable speed reduction than HP which induced significant speed reductions along the curve. The TRS gives drivers more time to generate the right expectations about the upcoming curve. When accidents occur primarily near the curve entry, TRS is recommended. The HP has the potential to reduce accidents at the curve end. Practitioner Summary: Two pavement markings (transversal rumble strips and HP) nearby dangerous curves were investigated in the driving simulator. TRS generated an earlier and more stable speed reduction than HP which induced speed reductions along the curve. The TRS gives drivers more time to generate right expectations about the upcoming curve.

A simulator study on the impact of traffic calming measures in urban areas on driving behavior and workload.

This study examined the impact of traffic calming measures (TCM) on major roads in rural and urban areas. More specifically we investigated the effect of gate constructions located at the entrance of the urban area and horizontal curves within the urban area on driving behavior and workload. Forty-six participants completed a 34km test-drive on a driving simulator with eight thoroughfare configurations, i.e., 2 (curves: present, absent)×2 (gates: present, absent)×2 (peripheral detection task (PDT): present, absent) in a within-subject design. PDT performance (mean response time (RT) and hit rate) indicated that drivers experienced the road outside the urban area as cognitively less demanding relative to the more complex road environment inside the urban area. Whereas curves induced a speed reduction that was sustained throughout the entire urban area, variability of acceleration/deceleration and lateral position were increased. In addition, PDT performance indicated higher workload when curves were present (versus absent). Gate constructions locally reduced speed (i.e., shortly before and after the entrance) and slightly increased variability of acceleration/deceleration and lateral position nearby the entrance. However, the effects on SDL-A/D and SDLP are too small to expect traffic safety problems. It can be concluded that both curves and gate constructions can improve traffic safety. Notwithstanding, the decision to implement these measures will depend on contextual factors such as whether the road serves a traffic-, rather than a residential function.