Driver Behavior and Preferences for Changeable Message Signs and Variable Speed Limits in Reduced Visibility Conditions

    Authors

    H. M. Hassan; M. A. Abdel-Aty; K. Choi;S. A. Algadhi

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Intell. Transport. Syst.

    Keywords

    Changeable Message Signs; Variable Speed Limit; Reduced Visibility; Driver Behavior; Probit Model; MULTIVARIATE PROBIT MODEL; ROUTE CHOICE BEHAVIOR; STATED PREFERENCE; TRAFFIC INFORMATION; ACCIDENT RISK; VALUATION; DECISIONS; TRANSIT; IMPACT; Transportation Science & Technology

    Abstract

    This article investigates the factors affecting drivers' stated behavior in adverse visibility conditions and examines whether drivers rely on and follow advisory or warning messages displayed on portable changeable message signs (CMS) and/or variable speed limit (VSL) signs in different visibility and traffic conditions, and on two types of roadways: freeways and two-lane roads. A multiple-approach survey was designed to collect opinions and stated data from Central Florida drivers. Categorical data analysis techniques such as conditional distribution, odds ratio, and chi-squared tests were applied. In addition, two modeling approaches, bivariate and multivariate probit models, were estimated. The results revealed that gender, age, road type, visibility condition, and familiarity with VSL sign were the significant factors affecting the stated likelihood of reducing speed following CMS/VSL instructions in reduced visibility conditions. Other objectives of this study were to determine the content of messages that would achieve the best perceived safety and drivers' compliance and to examine the best way to improve safety during these adverse visibility conditions. The results indicated that respondents thought that "Caution-fog ahead-reduce speed" was the best message and that using that CMS and VSL signs together was the best way to improve safety during such inclement weather situations. Based on the findings of the present study, several recommendations are suggested as guidelines to improve safety in reduced visibility conditions.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems

    Volume

    16

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    132

    Last Page

    146

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000310606800003

    ISSN

    1547-2450

    Share

    COinS