Impact of Perceptual Speed Calming Curve Countermeasures On Drivers’ Anticipation & Mitigation Ability – A Driving Simulator Study

Abstract

A potential factor for curve accidents are anticipatory skills. Horizontal curves have been recognized as a significant safety issue for many years. This study investigates the impact and effectiveness of three curve based perceptual speed calming countermeasures (advanced curve warning signs, chevron sign, and heads-up display(HUD) sign) on drivers’ hazard anticipation and mitigation behavior across both left and right-winding curves, and sharp (radius 200m) and flat (radius 500m) curves. Experimental results show that the speed and lateral control in the horizontal curves differed with respect to curve radii, direction, and the type of countermeasure presented. These differences in behavior are probably due to curve-related disparities, the type of perceptual countermeasure, and the presence of hazard at the apex of the curve. HUD is found to be effective at not only reducing the drivers’ speed in the curve, but also improve the latent hazard anticipation ability of the driver at the apex of the curve. Flat and sharp curves with indications of a safety problem were virtually developed in the simulator as representative as possible without upsetting the simulator’s fidelity. 48 participants were recruited for this study between the age range of 18 and 34, and driving experience range was from 0.25 to 17.75 years

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