Examining the effects of a signless roadway : holographic traffic control devices and their potential for replacing traditional post-mounted traffic control devices.

Noyce, David A. (David Alan), 1961-; Markosian, James; Chitturi, Madhav V.; Farhat, Iman; Santiago-Chaparro, Kelvin R. · 2016 · ROSA P / University of Wisconsin--Madison. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory

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Summary

This study investigates the potential of holographic-style traffic control devices (TCD) to replace traditional post-mounted signs, addressing concerns regarding visual clutter and driver distraction in increasingly complex roadway environments. As autonomous vehicles emerge, there is a need for transitional technologies that maintain safety for human drivers while reducing reliance on physical infrastructure. The research specifically examines whether projecting TCD information directly into the driver’s line of sight via augmented reality can improve situation awareness and speed compliance compared to traditional signage or no signage. The researchers conducted a full-scale driving simulator experiment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory involving 20 subjects. Participants drove a rural two-lane highway scenario featuring horizontal curves under three distinct conditions: Scenario A (signless, unrestricted driving), Scenario B (traditional post-mounted regulatory and warning signs), and Scenario C (virtually signed roadway using holographic-style projections of chevron alignment warnings and other TCD). The study utilized eye-tracking technology to monitor driver gaze and attention, alongside speed profile analysis to assess compliance with regulatory limits and safe operating speeds through curves. Statistical analysis compared speed deviations and fixation times across the scenarios to determine the efficacy of the holographic displays. Results indicated that holographic displays are a viable alternative to traditional post-mounted signs. Drivers in Scenario C demonstrated speed compliance and operating behaviors comparable to those in Scenario B, suggesting that virtual signage effectively communicates critical regulatory and warning information. Eye-tracking data revealed that holographic projections successfully captured driver attention without the visual clutter associated with roadside environments. The study found that placing TCD information directly in the driver’s line of sight enhances awareness and encourages appropriate speed adjustments, particularly on horizontal curves. There were no significant negative impacts on driving performance when using the holographic system compared to traditional signs. The findings suggest that holographic-style displays can safely replace or reduce the need for physical post-mounted traffic control devices. This technology offers a pathway to mitigate visual clutter and improve driver situation awareness by presenting information in a heads-up format. The study supports the integration of augmented reality into vehicle systems as a transitional measure during the shift toward autonomous driving, ensuring that human drivers receive clear, unobstructed guidance. Future research is recommended to further explore long-term driver adaptation and the integration of these systems with other in-vehicle technologies.

Key finding

Holographic traffic control devices enabled speed compliance levels comparable to traditional post-mounted signs, suggesting they are a viable alternative for conveying regulatory and warning information.

Methodology

simulator

Sample size: 20

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• hud ar windshield
• perceptual countermeasures
• signage environment
• external distraction
• ehmi external hmi
• rail grade crossings

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: design guidelines
• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Methodological Resource: tool software