An Evaluation of Wayfinding and Road Signage on Driver Behaviour and Road Safety of Airport Road Access Design

摘要

Drivers prefer an effective airport wayfinding system in airport landside areas to navigate easily. In many cases, drivers experience difficulties understanding the wayfinding process which cause distraction whilst driving. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of different wayfinding and signage provision on driving behaviour. A car driving simulator was used to model scenarios of differing wayfinding complexity and road design. Three scenario types were designed consisting of 3.8 miles of airport road (i.e. approximately 4 minutes driving to complete each scenario). Wayfinding complexity varied due to differing levels of road-side furniture such as signage, adverts and street lights. Experienced car drivers were asked to drive simulated routes. Fifteen drivers in the age ranges: 50 to 54, 55 to 59 and those aged over 60 were selected to perform the study. Participants drove for approximately 20 minutes to complete the simulated driving. The types of errors of simulated driving were: risk of collision, exceeding the speed limit, traffic light tickets, centreline crossings, and road edge excursions. The driver performance was compared between age groups. Drivers aged 50 to 54 are more likely have a smooth wayfinding to the airport with support of the signage compared to the drivers aged 55 to 59 and over 60. Drivers range age of 55 to 59 and over 60 drove faster at low speed limit area and tending to drive close to the kerb more often than driver aged 50 to 54. The results confirmed that age factor does not link to the Wayfinding. Results were analysed by MANOVA and discussed with reference to the use of the driving simulator.