In August 1993, the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) erected a computer controlled advisory warning sign on the F6 Waterfall Tollway. This prototype forms a part of a research project into the behaviour of motorists in fog conditions. The sign is a fibre-optic sign that is connected to road loops and a visibility detector to provide motorists with advice on road conditions and when behaviour modification is required to adapt to the speeds of other drivers in the vicinity. The results of this research will be used as part of the replacement driver aid system being installed throughout the Tollway. As a side product, the sign is being used to modify speed behaviour for drivers exceeding the speed limit. exceeding the speed limit. Through the use of advance speed detection, advice is provided to drivers indicating their speed. Additional speed detectors located at and after the site measure the effectiveness of the message. If the excessive speed of motorists can be reduced, speed variance will also be reduced, offering encouragement in potential reductions of both accident occurrences and severity. This paper deals with the technology and theory used to develop the site and the results of the excessive speed messages on the behaviour of speeding motorists. (A)
Abstract