Crash database studies have shown that more than 29 percent of all crashes are rear-end crashes. These types of crashes often result from a failure to respond (or delays in responding) to a stopped or decelerating lead vehicle (NHTSA, 2005). The work described here is part of a larger program of research intended to develop and evaluate rear signaling applications designed to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes by redi-recting drivers’ visual attention to the forward roadway (for cas-es involving a distracted driver), and/or increasing the saliency or meaningfulness of the brake signal (for attentive drivers).The purpose of this research study was to develop optimized rear brake lighting signal configurations using present-day lighting assemblies, but with LED technology. Work under this study included a laboratory component to quantify the bright-ness levels of various LED lamps, and a data collection compo-nent using human participants intended to determine optimum flash frequencies, brightness levels, and signal patterns (e.g., simultaneous versus alternating flashing). This study served to narrow the set of candidate lighting configurations to those that would most likely be carried forward for additional study on-road. This Vehicle Safety Research Note is a summary of the technical research report: Evaluation of Enhanced Brake Lights Using Sur-rogate Safety Metrics. Task 1 Report: Further Characterization and Development of Rear Brake Light Signals. Report No. DOT HS 811 127. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This report can be downloaded free of cost on the Vehicle Safety Research section of NHTSA’s Web site (http://www.nhtsa.gov). (Author/publisher)
Abstract