title: The effect of pavement markings on driving behaviour in curves: a simulator study.
abstract: This study investigates the effect of two pavement markings (transverse rumble strips (TRS) and a backward pointing herringbone pattern (HP)) on speed and lateral control in and nearby curves. Two real-world curves with strong indications of a safety problem were replicated as realistic as possible in the simulator. Results show that both speed and lateral control differ between the curves. These behavioural differences are probably due to curve-related dissimilarities with respect to geometric alignment, cross-sectional design and speed limit. TRS and HP both influenced mean speed and mean acceleration/deceleration but not lateral control. TRS generated an earlier and more stable speed reduction than HP which induced significant speed reductions along the curve. The TRS gives drivers more time to generate the right expectations about the upcoming curve. When accidents occur primarily near the curve entry, TRS is recommended. The HP has the potential to reduce accidents at the curve end. Practitioner Summary: Two pavement markings (transversal rumble strips and HP) nearby dangerous curves were investigated in the driving simulator. TRS generated an earlier and more stable speed reduction than HP which induced speed reductions along the curve. The TRS gives drivers more time to generate right expectations about the upcoming curve.
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ariën
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.|b Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences , Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brijs
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences , Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanroelen
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences , Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Wesley
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ceulemans
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Ellen M M
authors.initials: EMM
authors.lastname: Jongen
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Stijn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Daniels
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brijs
authors.affiliation: a Transportation Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wets
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003654:Deceleration; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012449:Safety; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Horizontal curves; driving simulator; pavement markings; road safety engineering