The verbiage in variable message signs and traffic diversion during crash incidents

Abstract

Purpose WIth limited research on the effects of variable message sign (VMS) message content and verbiage on revealed driver behavior, this study aims to investigate how different verbiage of crash-related messages are related to the diversion rate. Design/methodology/approach Using ordered logit models, the associations of message verbiage with diversion rates during crash incidents were assessed using five years of VMS message history within a section of I-15 in the state of Utah. Findings A significant impact of message verbiage on the diversion rate was observed. Based on the analysis results, the crash message verbiage with the highest diversion was found to be miles to crash + “prepare to stop,” followed by crash location + delay information, miles to crash + “use caution” + lane of the crash, etc. In addition, the diversion rate was found to be correlated to some roadway characteristics (e.g. occupancy in mainline, weather condition and light condition) along with the temporal variations. Research limitations/implications These findings could be used by transportation agencies (e.g. state department of transportation [DOTs]) to make informed decisions about choosing the message verbiage during future crash incidents. This study also revealed that higher diversion rates are associated with a shorter distance between the crash location and VMS device location, recommending increasing the number of VMS devices, particularly in crash-prone areas.

Validity of Variable Message Sign Information: Is It Influenced by Drivers’ Short-Term Memory?

“…Other studies have found that verbose and irrelevant messages conveyed via VMS have a significant impact on the diversion rate. Acharya and Mekker found that the verbiage of a crash-related message can increase the diversion rate of drivers (36). The combination of information content with the highest increase in diversion rate was miles to crash + ''Prepare to Stop.''…”

“…Other studies have found that verbose and irrelevant messages conveyed via VMS have a significant impact on the diversion rate. Acharya and Mekker found that the verbiage of a crash-related message can increase the diversion rate of drivers ( 36 ). The combination of information content with the highest increase in diversion rate was miles to crash +“Prepare to Stop.” However, displaying irrelevant information on a VMS might result in important traffic management messages not being effectively communicated to drivers ( 16 ): compliance with a detour message was significantly lower when preceded by irrelevant messages on the VMS.…”