An Evaluation of Signs for Sight-Restricted Rural Intersections

摘要

The report reviews an experiment undertaken to examine the effectiveness of six signs and sign sequences for warning motorists of a hazardous or sight-restricted intersection ahead in a rural two-lane situation. Signs examined ranged from the standard intersection symbol warning sign (cross) to vehicle actuated signs with flashing warning lights. Data collected during the experiment included: speeds of motorists as they approached and passed through test intersections (sometimes with a vehicle stopped on the side road); vehicle classification and registration information; and, for selected sign/site combinations, survey information for some motorists regarding their recollection of and reaction to the tested signs. The principal findings were that emphatic type signs (warning sign with flashers or a regulatory sign) caused drivers to reduce their speed by about 5.0 kph (3 mph) more than standard warning signs, and to increase driver awareness (as measured by sign recall and noticing of a side road vehicle) by a factor of approximately two. Familiarity with a test site, type of vehicle being driven, and sex did not have a significant effect on drivers' reactions to the various sign/site conditions.