This report describes an evaluation of converging chevron pavement markings in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The purpose of the chevron markings is to reduce exit ramp speeds by creating the illusion that the vehicle is speeding and the road is narrowing. Some evidence from Japan indicates that chevron markings do have the intended effect of reducing speeds (Griffin and Reinhardt 1996). This report should be of interest to experts in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), State Departments of Transportation, and others who want to know whether chevron pavement markings can reduce speeds and/or crashes. Although research has been conducted on other illusory pavement marking patterns, to date there have been no other evaluations of the converging chevrons pattern on highway ramps in the United States. (Author/publisher)
Abstract