Drivers' Understanding of Innovative Roundabout Traffic Control Devices

摘要

The 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) contains a number of innovative signing and pavement marking options for application at roundabouts.1 These devices are designed with the specific intent to convey geometric features to assist drivers in the navigation of roundabouts. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the use of fishhook pavement markings and curved-stem guide sign arrows, respectively.rnDue to the absence of preexisting data regarding driver understanding of the roundabout traffic control device concepts that were considered in the development of the 2009 MUTCD, a relevant human factors study was funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). This study was based on research needs identified by the MUTCD authoring committee. Key devices of interest were fishhook roundabout-entry pavement markings, curved-stem arrows on advance guide signs, and specific central island signing characteristics (e.g., black-on-yellow warning and black-on-white chevrons regulatory signs).