Intersection Design Decision/Reaction Time for Older Drivers

摘要

Trends in automobile and roadway use have change drastically over the pastseveral years. Changes in the trends include an increase in the percentage of licensed drivers, annual miles driven, and an increase in the number of older drivers. Of particular concern are the increase in the number of older drivers and whether the current design standards adequately meet the requirements of the older driver. In this study, the perception/reaction time variable used in calculating intersection sight distance at stop sign controlled intersections was evaluated. The current design value for the perception/reaction time is 2.0 seconds, which has been used since the 1940's when the driving population was much younger than today. Laboratory and field experiments were performed to determine an appropriate value for today's driving population.