Following advice from traffic advisories

This report presents data using multiple-choice questionnaires to learn how drivers respond to traffic information in the form of advisory messages. Two experiments, comprising 112 participants, were conducted using the same technique and yielding similar results. The traffic information messages presented to participants varied in three respects; quantitativeness of information, imperativeness of advice, and timeliness of information. Two additional factors were examined; the amount of traffic congestion stated to be directly observable on the route and the stated accuracy of messages received in the past. Results obtained from the questionnaires indicate that the structure of the traffic message did influence the driver behavior. The propensity to depart from the planned route ahead of schedule was greater when respondents had; few exit options remaining, been told traffic levels were high, received accurate traffic information in the past, and had received messages which contained quantitative and/or imperative information. Traffic controllers with this knowledge of driver behavior could act to further reduce trip times and congestion by using the control tools currently available to them. The major conclusion we can draw from this study is that when possible and appropriate, advisory messages should contain accurate, timely, quantitative and imperative information.Minnesota Department of Transportatio

Human Factors for Transitway Safety Improvement, Final Report for Phase 1

A human factors study was performed to identify potential cause of accidents at eight Transitway intersections. Data were collected on bus operators' driving behavior, on motorists' behavior at Transitway intersections and on sight distances at the intersections. From some of this data and the accident history at each intersection we calculated accident frequencies based on the number of cars crossing each intersection per year, then related some of our findings to both accident frequency and the immediate causes of reported accidents. An analysis of the data suggested that the following were potentially contributory to intersection accidents: * Two percent of the drivers run the stop signs and about 50% of the drivers use a rolling rather than a full stop. * About 20% of drivers do not look both ways before crossing the Transitway. * Winter weather brings slippery roads and reduced visibility conditions. * The timing for bus actuated traffic lights may not be optimal. * Only five of the 32 sight distances met minimum guidelines. Our broad conclusion was that combinations of the above factors could well contribute to the accidents occurring at the Transitway intersections. Specific recommendations were made for addressing each of the above factors

Human factors evaluation of the Delco RDS radio receiver and the RDS architecture

This report presents the results of a one year comprehensive human factors analysis on the prototype Delco RDS device supplied by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RDS devices provide a means of transmitting traffic information to motorist using the existing Traffic Management Center's resources. This study examined the devices and the means of transmitting information using ergonomic and human factors principles. This study expanded upon the functions of these devices and their ability to transmit information, as well as their integration within the automobile. The study was completed by examining the data entry tasks required to transmit messages and the TMC's operations as pertaining to messages and delivery to the end-users. Five tasks were completed with the following findings: Ergonomically, the prototype device requires further refinement to provide a user friendly interface. Linkage analysis and flow charting extracted areas where operations of the device was impeded by design. Simulation and on-road study elicited difficulty in operating the device while maintaining driving proficiency. Highly significant deviations were found between normal driving behavior and driving performance when simultaneously operating the device. This suggests an increase in attentional demand which is placed on the driver operating the device when they should be focused on the task of driving. Finally, assessment of data entry personnel and the TMC operations found several areas for improvement in the CrusaderTM message assembly program interface and message content. Recommendations are provided following each task.Minnesota Department of Transportatio