A perceptual road treatment, developed in Holland to discourage excessive speeds on rural roads, was tested on a driving simulator for an Australian population. The treatment contains a low contrast edgeline with raised gravel, and a widened centreline, also with raised gravel, in combination with a narrowed perceptual lane width. Thirty-two subjects drove over this treatment, as well as four other roads, to enable the evaluation of the contributions of the various parts of the treatment. Results suggest that it does lead to slower speeds, especially on left curves. Importantly, it also leads to a narrowing of the distribution of population speeds, bring faster drivers closer to the average. It was also found that the lateral positions of the vehicle within the lane were away from the gravel edge markings, but due to the widened centreline, were also further away from the on-coming traffic. As well, it was the case that more attention was paid to driving when on this road, and more effort was made to keep the vehicle within the confines of the lane. It therefore seems to be the case that this perceptual treatment does lead to safer driving, and that this is caused by a combination of all aspects of the treatment. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD 895304.
Abstract