In designing directional signage for some of the new Eastlink interchanges, some novel requirements were identified. VicRoads engaged ARRB to trial prototype directional signs for these locations using computer simulation. Thirty-nine drivers were monitored while navigating a simple driving simulator along two 'virtual' segments of Eastlink. The simulator consisted of a steering wheel mounted in front of an LCD screen. The screen displayed an image approximating that which a motorist would observe through a windscreen. Each driver was asked to use the directional signs encountered along the simulated freeway to select specified exits. The line-marking and alignment of the actual Eastlink segments was reproduced in the simulated environment. The location of each lane change was noted, as was the success of each attempted exit. When an exit was missed, or almost missed, the driver was asked to describe what factors caused the error. The advantage of simulator testing over the presentation of static signs lies in the need for respondents to make decisions under time pressures equivalent to those of real driving, while faced with the competing task of maintaining lane position. This paper highlights what was learned during the study about this technique for testing directional signage. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217099.
Abstract