Evaluation Research of the Effects of Longitudinal Speed Reduction Markings on Driving Behavior: A Driving Simulator Study

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the effects of longitudinal speed reduction markings (LSRMs) on vehicle maneuvering and drivers’ operation performance on interchange connectors with different radii. Empirical data were collected in a driving simulator. Indicators—relative speed change, standard deviation of acceleration, and gas/brake pedal power—were proposed to characterize driving behavior. Statistical results revealed that LSRMs could reduce vehicles’ travel speed and limit drivers’ willingness to increase speed in the entire connector. To probe the impacts of LSRMs, the connecter was split into four even sections. Effects of LSRMs on driving behavior were stronger in the second and the final sections of connectors. LSRMs also enhanced drivers’ adaptability in the first three quarters of a connector when the radius was 50 m. Drivers’ gas pedal operation would be impacted by LSRMs in the entire connector when the radius was 50 m. LSRMs could only make drivers press brake pedal more frequently in the second section with 80 m and 100 m radius. In the second quarter section of a connector—from the FQP (the first quartile point) to the MC (the middle point of curve)—LSRMs have better effects on influencing vehicle maneuvering and drivers’ operation performance.

Influence of Wider Longitudinal Road Markings on Vehicle Speeds in Two-Lane Rural Highways

“…As no similar studies have been found, making it impossible to compare the results obtained, it can be stated that the speed-reduction effect of the wider marks seen here is in line with the results of somewhat similar experiments about the effects of longitudinal speed reduction markings [26,27], and the consequences of implementing, or not, longitudinal road markings [29][30][31]. The speed-reducing effect may contribute to a reduction in the number of accidents associated with the implementation of wider longitudinal road markings [9,25,28] or the narrowing of lanes [6].…”

“…Longitudinal speed reduction markings are discontinuous longitudinal markings 30 cm wide painted next to the edgeline road markings, on the inside of the lane. Ding et al [26] and Zhao et al [27] studied their effect on connectors through driving simulation, obtaining the results that LSRMs could reduce vehicles' travel speed and limit drivers' willingness to increase speed, but effects depend on the radius and on the position of the vehicle along the connector.…”

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Speed Reduction Markings on Driving Speed in Highway Tunnel Entrance and Exit Areas

“…Relative speed contrast (δ) shows the overall speed deceleration in the tunnel entrance and exit zones [15,30,41]…”

Road Markings and Their Impact on Driver Behaviour and Road Safety: A Systematic Review of Current Findings

“…However, the evaluation on a driving Journal of Advanced Transportation simulator did report an impact of additional road markings on the lateral positioning of the vehicle. Ding et al carried out several driving simulator studies on this subject [19][20][21]. e studies were based on an analysis comprising vehicle operations and drivers' psychological and physical reactions.…”

“…Ding et al explored the effects of longitudinal speed reduction markings on vehicle manoeuvring and drivers' operation performance on interchange connectors of different radii (50 m, 80 m, and 100 m) [21]. Using a driving simulator, the authors created two connectors of interest: one with and one without road marking measures.…”