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| Antecedent Events and Traffic Safety |
| Sunday, May 25, 2008 |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
| PDR 1 |
| Area: CSE/OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Michelle L. Arnold (Western Michigan University) |
| Discussant: Ron Van Houten (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: The use of antecedent strategies can be cost effective in improving safety in a number of areas. This symposium looks at the effect of antecedent strategies on red light running, turn signaling, and speeding behavior. |
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| The Effects of an LED No Right Turn on Red Sign on Motorist Compliance with NTOR. |
| ERICK K. A. MARMOLEJO (Western Michigan University), Ron Van Houten (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Every day we put ourselves at great risk of injury or death by simply getting behind the wheel of our cars. Driving is one of the leading cause of preventable injury particularly in young drivers and every year the driving population in this country grows. To mitigate this danger traffic engineers have looked to novel technological approaches. One of these technologies is the use of dynamic traffic signs. This technology provided the proper antecedent prompts for a given traffic condition. While these types of signs have seen wide acceptance, few studies have looked at the actual efficacy of these signs compared to the more typical static signs. The present study looked at a direct comparison of conventional static signs and dynamic signs on driver behavior. The results suggest that the use of dynamic signs may be helpful in improving the safety of driver behavior. |
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| Increasing Turn Signal Use by Drivers Exiting a University Parking Garage. |
| MICHAEL C. CLAYTON (Youngstown State University), Emily Myers (Youngstown State University) |
| Abstract: The present study attempted to further existing literature on increasing safe driving practices through visual prompts by targeting turn signal use at a 4-way intersection. Drivers exiting a university-parking garage were presented with a visual prompt (“Please Signal and Drive Safely”) and then observed for turn signal use while entering an intersection a short time later. In addition, the effectiveness of posted signs (passive prompting) was compared to signs held by a student volunteer (mediated prompting) using a reversal (ABACA) design. The interventions increased turn signal use from a baseline of 68% to 89% and 85% for passive prompts and mediated prompts, respectively. |
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| The Effects of a Rectangular Stutter Flash Beacon on Driver Speed Compliance. |
| MICHELLE J. VANWAGNER (Western Michigan University), Ron Van Houten (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: According to the 2006 Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, nearly 32% of vehicle fatalities were related to failure to adhere to safe vehicle speeds (NHTSA, 2007). The current study is designed to assess the effect of a rapidly flashing beacon to enhance the conspicuity of a speed limit sign at the entrance to a sharp curve in the road. Data will be collected anonymously through the use of an automatic traffic analyzer device manufactured by Nu-Metrics. The device will be installed with the assistance of local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the Student Investigator who will install and remove the device following each observation period. The research site is located in Northern Illinois, along Lake Street/US Route 45. |
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