Evaluation of Chinese Display Format for Variable Message Signs

摘要

Variable message signs (VMS) is an important traffic control device for increasing road utility and decreasing traffic accidents. This research presents a study on the display format of VMS on freeway in Taiwan. Effects of Chinese font size (50*50 cm, 60*60 cm, and 70*70 cm) and display line (single and double) for VMS on subjects' response performance were investigated through a human factor laboratory study. Computer generated VMS stimuli merged with a driver's view driving video, were projected onto a screen while subjects were making proper responses. The results of this study showed that font size and display line both were significant factors for subjects' response time. The 70*70 cm font size took less response time than the 50*50 cm and 60*60 cm. It also found that subjects exhibited quick response for single line display than for double line. However, both of the font size and display line had no significant effects on subjects' response accuracy. The results from this study may assist in adopting suitable Chinese font size and display line for VMS and in improving the performance of drivers on freeway.