A Simulator Evaluation of Driver Responses to Dynamic Warning Signs at Rural Intersections

Stephens, Amanda; Mitsopoulos-Rubens, Eve; Candappa, Nimmi · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100628

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This study investigates strategies to mitigate high-speed crashes at unsignalised rural T-intersections, where high-speed major road traffic converges with slower minor road traffic. The research addresses the specific problem of major road drivers maintaining excessive speeds when approaching intersections with potential conflicts. The authors hypothesized that dynamic warning signs, which activate only when vehicles are present on the minor road, would effectively reduce major road driver speeds compared to standard static signs. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine whether regulatory signs (mandating a speed reduction) or advisory signs (recommending a speed reduction) were more effective in achieving compliance. The experiment utilized a fixed-based, medium-fidelity driving simulator with 29 fully licensed drivers. Participants completed three test trials involving simulated rural environments with 100 km/h speed limits. The experimental design was a repeated measures 3x2x2 factorial, manipulating warning sign type (standard static, dynamic regulatory, or dynamic advisory), the presence of vehicles on the intersecting minor road, and the direction of the side road (left or right). Dynamic signs activated when drivers were 250 meters from the intersection, displaying either a mandatory 80 km/h limit or an advisory 80 km/h recommendation. Data were collected on average driver speeds at 20-meter intervals across a 500-meter section centered on the intersection. Results demonstrated that dynamic signs significantly reduced driver speeds compared to standard static signs, but only when vehicles were present on the minor road. Drivers largely complied with the regulatory sign, maintaining average speeds close to the mandated 80 km/h. In contrast, drivers exposed to the advisory sign selected significantly higher speeds, averaging between 85 km/h and 90 km/h, indicating a failure to fully adhere to the recommended limit. Additionally, a significant interaction effect revealed that drivers drove faster when approaching right-branching side roads compared to left-branching ones, particularly under advisory conditions. This difference was attributed to visibility and perceived reaction time, as vehicles on the right were less immediately visible. The findings conclude that dynamic warning signs are an effective tool for reducing speeds at rural intersections on a needs-only basis. However, the study highlights a critical distinction between regulatory and advisory measures: drivers are more likely to achieve safe speeds when limits are enforced rather than recommended. The results suggest that to effectively reduce crash severity and improve gap-acceptance safety for minor road drivers, infrastructure interventions should prioritize regulatory speed reductions over advisory ones. The study also notes that driver behavior varies based on the direction of the intersecting road, likely due to differences in line-of-sight and perceived risk.

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Topics

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• signage environment
• rail grade crossings
• perceptual countermeasures