Driver Speed Behavior In The Vicinity Of Variable Message Sign (VMS) Using A Driving Simulator

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Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2017

Type of Work

Department

Transportation

Program

Master of Science

Citation of Original Publication

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This item is made available by Morgan State University for personal, educational, and research purposes in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Other uses may require permission from the copyright owner.

Abstract

The research analyzes drivers’ speed behavior in the vicinity of variable message signs on the I-95 highway using a driving simulator. A network of 220 mi² in Maryland is developed in the driving simulator-based experiments. The travel time information is provided using a variable message sign (VMS). Sixty-five participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds took part in the study. The investigation was primarily based on how the presence of VMS affects drivers’ speed behavior. Also, this study shows whether drivers’ selected speeds are being affected by VMS position on the I-95, which could result in the road safety performance. The position of the VMS is at 980 meters in I-95 highway. The area of investigation was divided into four areas including initial area, visible area, readable area, and post VMS area. The Initial area starts at 350 meters of I-95 highway till 600 meters of I-95 highway, the visible area is from 600 meters to 770 meters of I-95 highway, the readable area is from 770meters to 980 meters in I-95 highway, 980 meters is the position of VMS and the post VMS area is from 980 meters to 1230 meter in I-95 area. Therefore, an extended understanding of how VMS affects driver speed can result into achievable design for safer navigation of drivers’ travel times, environment, and road safety performance. The research also focuses on comparing drivers’ speed with or without the presence of VMS in a same traffic situation. The results show that although there is a significant difference between the speed in the readable VMS area and the post VMS area, when the VMS is on, the difference between speed in the readable VMS area and pre-VMS area is insignificant. Furthermore, there is an insignificant difference between the speed in the readable VMS area when VMS is on and when VMS is off.