A variety of word messages are used in highways in different forms to inform drivers of traffic safety information or to influence positively drivers＇ behavior. These include direct word messages for a particular eve...A variety of word messages are used in highways in different forms to inform drivers of traffic safety information or to influence positively drivers＇ behavior. These include direct word messages for a particular event （such as road work） or general safety messages that warn drivers of risky driving behaviors （such as distracted driving and speeding）. However, it is often observed that many drivers even do not recognize the safety messages despite being displayed on roadside signs in a fairly good visibility condition. The present study focused on an engineering method, namely auditory warning sound （AWS）, which calls driver＇s attention on driving tasks and helps them comply with roadside safety signs. A driving simulator experiment was conducted to assess effects of AWS on driver compliance to roadside safety signs. AWS was implemented into driving simulator scenarios as a parameter to generate a certain level of growling warning sounds when subject vehicles are entering within a legi- bility distance of a roadside safety sign. The present study described laboratory setup and data for the driving simulator experiment, and drew conclusions on driver compliance to roadside safety signs with and without presence of AWS. The experiment results show that drivers are more compliant to roadside safety signs when AWS is used. It is expected that AWS will greatly help drivers comply with roadside safety signs where a specific safety concern is raised, such as a work-zone or a drowsy driving advisory zone.展开更多
The attention to road safety-related issues has grown fast in recent decades. The experi- ence gained with these themes reveals the importance of considering these aspects in the resource allocation process for roadsi...The attention to road safety-related issues has grown fast in recent decades. The experi- ence gained with these themes reveals the importance of considering these aspects in the resource allocation process for roadside and guardrail improvement, which is a complex process often involves conflicting objectives. This work consists on defining an innovative methodology, with the objective of calculating and analysing a numerical risk factor of a road. The method considers geometry, accident rate, traffic of the examined road and four categories of elements/defects where the resources can be allocated to improve the road safety （safety barriers, discrete obstacles, continuous obstacles, and water drainage）. The analysis allows the assessment of the hazard index, which could be used in decision- making processes. A case study is presented to analyse roadsides of a 995 km long road network, using the cost-benefit analysis, and to prioritize possible rehabilitation work. The results highlighted that it is suitable to intervene on roads belonging to higher classes of risk, where it is possible to maximize the benefit in terms of safety as consequence of rehabilitation works （i.e., new barrier installation, removal and new barrier installation, and new terminal installation）. The proposed method is quantitative; therefore, it avoids providing weak and far from reliable results; moreover, it guarantees a broad vision for the problem, giving a useful tool for road management body.展开更多
基金funded by Alabama Department of Transportation (Research Project 930-856R)was carried out at the University of South Alabama
文摘A variety of word messages are used in highways in different forms to inform drivers of traffic safety information or to influence positively drivers＇ behavior. These include direct word messages for a particular event （such as road work） or general safety messages that warn drivers of risky driving behaviors （such as distracted driving and speeding）. However, it is often observed that many drivers even do not recognize the safety messages despite being displayed on roadside signs in a fairly good visibility condition. The present study focused on an engineering method, namely auditory warning sound （AWS）, which calls driver＇s attention on driving tasks and helps them comply with roadside safety signs. A driving simulator experiment was conducted to assess effects of AWS on driver compliance to roadside safety signs. AWS was implemented into driving simulator scenarios as a parameter to generate a certain level of growling warning sounds when subject vehicles are entering within a legi- bility distance of a roadside safety sign. The present study described laboratory setup and data for the driving simulator experiment, and drew conclusions on driver compliance to roadside safety signs with and without presence of AWS. The experiment results show that drivers are more compliant to roadside safety signs when AWS is used. It is expected that AWS will greatly help drivers comply with roadside safety signs where a specific safety concern is raised, such as a work-zone or a drowsy driving advisory zone.
文摘The attention to road safety-related issues has grown fast in recent decades. The experi- ence gained with these themes reveals the importance of considering these aspects in the resource allocation process for roadside and guardrail improvement, which is a complex process often involves conflicting objectives. This work consists on defining an innovative methodology, with the objective of calculating and analysing a numerical risk factor of a road. The method considers geometry, accident rate, traffic of the examined road and four categories of elements/defects where the resources can be allocated to improve the road safety （safety barriers, discrete obstacles, continuous obstacles, and water drainage）. The analysis allows the assessment of the hazard index, which could be used in decision- making processes. A case study is presented to analyse roadsides of a 995 km long road network, using the cost-benefit analysis, and to prioritize possible rehabilitation work. The results highlighted that it is suitable to intervene on roads belonging to higher classes of risk, where it is possible to maximize the benefit in terms of safety as consequence of rehabilitation works （i.e., new barrier installation, removal and new barrier installation, and new terminal installation）. The proposed method is quantitative; therefore, it avoids providing weak and far from reliable results; moreover, it guarantees a broad vision for the problem, giving a useful tool for road management body.
