A Method for Determining Variable Message Sign (VMS) Locations for Safe Exiting at Freeway Off-Ramp based on Driving Simulation Experiments

摘要

Variable message sign (VMS) technology provides drivers with real-time traffic information aboutincidents, congestion, and detours, and it is one of the major components of advanced trafficinformation systems (ATIS). The placement of a VMS can greatly influence its effectiveness, makingsign location choice a problem of particular interest. The objective of this study was to develop amethodology for determining an appropriate spacing between VMS and off-ramps on freeways toallow safe driving maneuvers. We used a driving simulator to evaluate how drivers exit at an off-rampwhen presented with route detour information from various VMS locations. We then applied binarylogistic regression and factor analysis to develop a statistical model that predicts the safety of thesemaneuvers. Using this model, we suggest a method to estimate the appropriate spacing between VMSand off-ramps. The results of this study will be useful to ITS planners and designers in determiningoptimal VMS placement.