A four-part study was conducted to evaluate the basic visual processing of fluorescent retroreflective signing materials and to examine their effectiveness in real traffic situations. The results of subjective rankings by an expert panel (Part 0), objective measurements of visibility distances of full-size signs using both older and younger drivers (Part 1), and eye-tracking performance of subjects in real roadway environments (Part 2) show that the visibility and conspicuity properties of fluorescent traffic control devices are significantly better than standard non-fluorescent devices. In addition, traffic engineering studies (Part 3) show significant positive changes in driver behaviour in the presence of fluorescent signs. This comprehensive evaluation shows that fluorescent retroreflective traffic control devices can have a beneficial effect on roadway safety. (A)
Samenvatting