Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials, disability glare of graphic markings

The aim of the assessment was to determine if the application of retro-reflective graphics material in conjunction with contour markings to the side face of heavy and long vehicles and their trailers could result in disability glare. Disability glare is the reduction in the ability to see objects due to bright light sources in the visual field. It was assessed in this study by measuring the extent to which the presence of a pedestrian on the road between the truck and an approaching driver could be detected. For reference, the Draft Regulation XA defines contour markings as ‘a series of rectangular strips intended to be placed in such a way that it shows the contour of the vehicle to the side or rear’. Graphics markings are ‘additional coloured markings intended to be placed within the contour marking’ which are of a lower retro-reflective performance than the contour markings

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials, discomfort glare of markings.

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials, discomfort glare of markings

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials : conspicuity of markings.

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials : conspicuity of markings

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity - part 3: retroflective and fluorescent materials, disability glare of red markings.

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity - part 3: retroflective and fluorescent materials, disability glare of red markings

Quality of motorcyclists vision: a summary report.

Quality of motorcyclists vision: a summary report

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - retroreflective and fluorescent materials, validation report.

The aim of these validation trials were to establish whether red retro-reflective markings in the Draft Regulation XA format perform as well as the yellow markings in the same format and to determine if either the yellow or red Draft Regulation XA markings perform significantly better than what is currently on the road

Bus route and destination displays making it easier to read.

To enhance bus use for all passengers an inclusive approach to information provision needs to be adopted. To this end research was undertaken to identify improvements to display design which would be of benefit to all passengers. Members of the public participated in the research including people with a range of visual impairments including Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa and Cataracts. The different forms of display technology were assessed under day and night conditions in terms of reading distances, reading time and viewing angles as well as participant opinions

Development of a volumetric projection technique for the digital evaluation of field of view

Current regulations for field of view requirements in road vehicles are defined by 2D areas projected on the ground plane. This paper discusses the development of a new software-based volumetric field of view projection tool and its implementation within an existing digital human modelling system. In addition, the exploitation of this new tool is highlighted through its use in a UK Department for Transport funded research project exploring the current concerns with driver vision. Focusing specifically on rearwards visibility in small and medium passenger vehicles, the volumetric approach is shown to provide a number of distinct advantages. The ability to explore multiple projections of both direct vision (through windows) and indirect vision (through mirrors) provides a greater understanding of the field of view environment afforded to the driver whilst still maintaining compatibility with the 2D projections of the regulatory standards. Practitioner Summary: Field of view requirements for drivers of road vehicles are defined by simplified 2D areas projected onto the ground plane. However, driver vision is a complex 3D problem. This paper presents the development of a new software-based 3D volumetric projection technique and its implementation in the evaluation of driver vision in small- and medium-sized passenger vehicles

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 1- vehicle mounted warning beacons. Summary report.

Accident studies suggest that the early detection and identification of other types of road users is likely to be a safety benefit to drivers, and one means for achieving this is through the use of vehicle-mounted warning beacons. A review of previous research, current technology, standards and regulations, and the views of relevant parties confirms the contribution of warning beacons in this respect. It also indicates that the warning beacons available in the market are largely governed by the restrictions imposed by the relevant regulations. However contact with various warning beacon user groups suggests that these designs are not as effective as they would wish and may in certain instances be giving rise to disbenefits to other road users. A rigorous scientific test programme identified those factors which make warning beacons more conspicuous and specific consideration was given to those vehicles, fitted with amber warning beacons, which work within environments of flashing amber road beacons. Disbenefits of warning beacon design, in terms of disability glare, discomfort glare, distraction and eleptogenesis, were also investigated. It is recommended that the users of warning beacons be prioritised with the highest priority group being allocated the top values of those features which make warning beacons conspicuous (subject to consideration of the disbenefits likely to be generated). Road trials should be undertaken to further refine the recommendations

Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity: part 3 - vehicle mounted warning beacons. Summary report.

Accident studies suggest that the early detection and identification of other types of road users is likely to be a safety benefit to drivers, and one means for achieving this is through the use of vehicle-mounted warning beacons. A review of previous research, current technology, standards and regulations, and the views of relevant parties confirms the contribution of warning beacons in this respect. It also indicates that the warning beacons available in the market are largely governed by the restrictions imposed by the relevant regulations. However contact with various warning beacon user groups suggests that these designs are not as effective as they would wish and may in certain instances be giving rise to disbenefits to other road users. A rigorous scientific test programme identified those factors which make warning beacons more conspicuous and specific consideration was given to those vehicles, fitted with amber warning beacons, which work within environments of flashing amber road beacons. Disbenefits of warning beacon design, in terms of disability glare, discomfort glare, distraction and eleptogenesis, were also investigated. It is recommended that the users of warning beacons be prioritised with the highest priority group being allocated the top values of those features which make warning beacons conspicuous (subject to consideration of the disbenefits likely to be generated). Road trials should be undertaken to further refine the recommendations