The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of the Graded Deceleration Display (GDD) that is designed to replace the rear center high mounted stop lamp on automobiles. Licensed drivers were treated in simulation to both a standard brake light displays (binary) and the GDD display while the lead vehicle (LV) varied its deceleration magnitude and ramping behavior. Results entailed that the graded system produced more accurate behavioral responses during deceleration, fewer collisions, and a safer following distance than the binary system. Future research should be concerned with solidifying this framework so that it can be used to improve safety, effectiveness, and efficiency for vehicle transportation.
Driver braking performance is highly dependent on the driver’s ability to estimate closing distance to the vehicle in front of them. Unfortunately, drivers often do not accurately perceive closing speed (Hoffman & Mortimer, 1996). Here, we examined whether providing graded deceleration magnitudes via an array of horizontally arranged brake lights (Graded Deceleration Display - GDD) can improve driver braking performance over standard (Binary) displays. In simulation, participants followed a lead vehicle through a series of braking events where the maximum rates of deceleration were systematically varied. Drivers were instructed to follow the lead vehicle at a “safe and adequate” distance. The Graded Deceleration Display resulted in slightly longer reaction times although the braking responses were more accurate in relation to the deceleration of the lead vehicle. The GDD also resulted in longer following distances, which could be indicative of an increased margin of safety for following vehicles.
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