00714875

Component

http://onlinepubs.trb.org...trr/1995/1495/1495-002.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...udek&publication_year=1995

Licensed driver interpretation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)-approved and experimental transition symbols in a lane control signal (LCS) array is documented. The two symbols tested were the yellow X (MUTCD approved) and the yellow downward diagonal arrow (experimental). These two symbols were displayed in a scene depicting a three-lane freeway section containing one LCS array. The various LCS arrays were representative of typical LCS configurations for a median lane closure. Each transition symbol was tested in combination with two green down arrows and in an array containing one red X and one green down arrow. Overall, the study showed the yellow downward diagonal arrow to be interpreted more consistently and "correctly" given its intended use than the yellow X. Subject responses varied more for the yellow X than for the yellow downward diagonal arrow when a red X was included in the LCS array. In addition, subjects were more likely to interpret the yellow X in a manner that was considered "incorrect" given the intended use of the yellow transition symbols--a problem that was magnified when a red X was incorporated into the LCS array. Subject interpretation of the yellow transition symbols was also affected by the introduction of a red X into the LCS array. The most preferred subject interpretation of the yellow X and yellow downward diagonal arrow was the same when the transition symbols were displayed in an LCS array either with or without a red X. The meaning offered most frequently by subjects was "lane closed, blocked, or closing". The second most common interpretation of both the yellow X and yellow downward diagonal arrow varied somewhat, however. When displayed with two green down arrows "lane ends physically" was the second most frequent interpretation, whereas introduction of a red X into the LCS array altered subject perception and "lane is congested" became the second most popular meaning.

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1495, Traffic Control Devices, Visibility, and Railroad Grade Crossings. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

01399828

English

p. 9-16

1995

Transportation Research Record

0309061601

Figures (4) ; References (10) ; Tables (5)

Arrows (Signals); Drivers; Freeways; Lane use control signals; Yellow interval (Traffic signal cycle)

Interpretation

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control

TRIS, TRB

Dec 12 1995 12:00AM

• APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO RAIL-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSING SAFETY
• COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ADVANCE WARNING SIGNS AT HIGH SPEED SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS
• CURVE RADIUS PERCEPTION ACCURACY AS FUNCTION OF NUMBER OF DELINEATION DEVICES (CHEVRONS)
• DETECTABILITY OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS UNDER STATIONARY AND DYNAMIC CONDITIONS AS A FUNCTION OF RETROREFLECTIVE BRIGHTNESS
• EFFECTIVE USE OF VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS: LESSONS LEARNED THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF USERS' MANUALS
• EFFECTS OF LATERAL SEPARATION BETWEEN DOUBLE CENTER-STRIPE PAVEMENT MARKINGS ON VISIBILITY UNDER NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS
• EFFECTS OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS ON DRIVER BEHAVIOR AT FREEWAY LANE DROP EXITS
• EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC CHARACTERISTICS AT TWO-WAY STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS IN ALASKA
• EVALUATION OF ACCURACY OF U.S. DOT RAIL-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSING ACCIDENT PREDICTION MODELS
• EVALUATION OF PROPOSED MINIMUM RETROREFLECTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS
• EVALUATION OF STROBE LIGHTS IN RED LENS OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
• HIGH-VOLUME PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK TIME REQUIREMENTS
• KNOWLEDGE-BASED PERSONAL COMPUTER SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR APPLYING AND PLACING CURVE DELINEATION DEVICES
• LOSS OF VISIBILITY DISTANCE CAUSED BY AUTOMOBILE WINDSHIELDS AT NIGHT
• TRAFFIC SIGN READING DISTANCES AND TIMES DURING NIGHT DRIVING
• VISIBILITY OF NEW PAVEMENT MARKINGS AT NIGHT UNDER LOW-BEAM ILLUMINATION
• VISIBILITY OF NEW YELLOW CENTER STRIPES AS A FUNCTION OF OBLITERATION
• YELLOW PAVEMENT MARKINGS WITH YELLOW NIGHTTIME COLOR