Additional road markings as an indication of speed limits: Results of a field experiment and a driving simulator study

Daniels, Stijn; Vanrie, Jan; Dreesen, An; Brijs, Tom · 2010 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2009.06.020

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Summary

This study investigates the efficacy of additional road markings as supplementary indicators for speed limits on roads reduced from 90 to 70 km/h in Flanders, Belgium. The research was motivated by high non-compliance rates, where mean speeds significantly exceeded the legal limit, and the need for cost-effective measures to improve driver awareness and adherence. The authors evaluated two types of markings: longitudinal lines and the number "7," both placed near the edge line and repeated every 50 meters. The study employed a dual-method approach, combining a field experiment on four real-world road segments with a controlled driving simulator study involving 30 participants. The field experiment compared median speeds on experimental roads with those on comparable control roads over several measurement periods before and after the installation of markings and informational panels. Statistical analysis using non-parametric sign tests and linear regression revealed inconsistent and generally negligible effects. The additional markings did not produce a significant or consistent decrease in median speeds; in some periods, speeds slightly increased. The driving simulator study assessed speed behavior and lateral position under low and high mental effort conditions across three route configurations: standard signs, lines, and numbers. Results indicated that standard C43 signs were more effective than zone signs combined with additional markings at inducing immediate deceleration at the speed limit transition. However, within the 70 km/h segments, there were no significant differences in mean speed or speed stability between the marking conditions. A notable finding from the simulator study was a significant shift in lateral position; drivers tended to drive closer to the centerline when additional markings were present, suggesting the markings influenced spatial perception or lane positioning rather than speed compliance. Furthermore, subjective reports indicated that many participants failed to notice the additional markings, even after explicit prompting. The discussion highlights limitations in the field study’s data quality and the potential lack of absolute validity in the simulator environment. The study concludes that additional road markings do not effectively reduce speeds or improve compliance with the 70 km/h limit. The hypothesis that better-informed drivers would drive slower was not supported by either the field or simulator data. Instead, the markings appeared to have minimal impact on speed behavior while potentially altering lateral positioning. The findings suggest that such low-cost visual cues are insufficient for modifying speed behavior in this context, implying that road authorities should look beyond simple informational additions to achieve the desired safety outcomes.

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Topics

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• signage environment
• speed choice
• perceptual countermeasures
• speed management

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data, observational prevalence
• Methodological Resource: validation psychometrics