Driving behavior at transitions from highway to secondary roads: A simulator study

Abstract

This study will investigate the transition from highways to secondary roads. Such transitions require suitable design in order to evoke a mental and behavioral 'reset' in the driver. Two driving simulator studies(60 participants each) are executed to examine the effect of two possible 'reset' moments:(1)the highway exit and (2)the intersection at the junction of the highway exit and the secondary road. In the first experiment four highway exit designs are investigated: (a) straightforward and curved with overall deflection of (b) 45°, (c) 90° and (d) 180°. The junction with the secondary road is a priority intersection. During the second experiment participants first take a 90° deflecting highway exit and then pass by one of the four junction types: (a) traffic lights, (b) priority intersection, (c) roundabout and (d) acceleration lane. Each participant completes two experimental trips which both consist of a highway section followed by a secondary road section and two of the four different design conditions randomly implemented. Speed, lateral control and drivers' mental load (by means of Rating Scale Mental Effort) are investigated.