Speed on rural arterial roads.

This research is using the University of Leeds Advanced Driving Simulator to investigate, in a safe and controlled manner, the effectiveness of a variety of measures for reducing driver speeds on rural single-carriageway arterial roads, with the aim of identifying practical and cost-effective combinations of measures to reduce both the frequency and severity of accidents on such roads. Speed reducing measures appropriate to three situations are being investigated: (1) measures that reduce speed variance and/or overtaking on fairly straight roads; (2) measures that reduce curve entry speeds for sharp bends; and (3) measures that reduce speeds on the approach to villages. Measures being investigated include the use of road markings to reduce lane width or produce horizontal deflection; the use of signs both on posts and on the road surface; and the use of optical illusions to affect the driver's perception of speed or road width. The first stage of the research involved the evaluation of each individual measure. The measures have been evaluated with respect to their effect on speed, vehicle lateral position, and incidence of overtaking. The most effective individual measures will be combined in various ways and the effectiveness of these combinations will be evaluated. The results of the first stage of the research, i.e. into the effectiveness of individual measures, are reported in this paper. (A)