Designing VMS Sign Messages to Enhance Driving Safety
Designing VMS Sign Messages to Enhance Driving Safety

Author: Chun-Ming Yang

Publisher: VDM Publishing

Published: 2008-04-01

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 9783836499118

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The state-of-the-art variable message sign (VMS) systems have been widely used as a crucial means in the daily traffic environment to promote safe and efficient driving on highways. In addition, these overhead mounted VMSs play an important role in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) by displaying real-time information and advice about roadway and traffic conditions. Thus, a properly designed and displayed message on VMS is especially important to a motorist who has to detect, comprehend, and act on signage information while being occupied with the driving task. To this end, this book proposes a comprehensive human factors study, incorporating three approaches: driver questionnaire surveys, lab experiments, and field studies, to investigate various factors in VMS messaging and their impacts on a drivers understanding of and reaction to a message. The findings with a specific set of VMS features should help traffic engineers and highway management design VMS signs that could be noticed, understood and responded to in a more timely fashion. Safer and more proactive driving experiences could be achieved by adopting these suggested VMS features.

Behavioral Traffic Safety Messaging on Variable Message Signs
Behavioral Traffic Safety Messaging on Variable Message Signs

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780309687133

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Changeable, electronic, or dynamic message signs are used to provide real-time traffic information to drivers while en route to their destination. Many agencies also use these signs to display safety messages when the signs are not being used to display other traffic information. These types of messages encourage safe driving behaviors such as wearing seat belts and not drinking and driving. The TRB Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program's BTSCRP Research Report 3: Behavioral Traffic Safety Messaging on Variable Message Signs provides an evidence-based approach to help guide behavioral traffic safety message design and display on variable message signs.

The Human Factors of Transport Signs
The Human Factors of Transport Signs

Author: Candida Castro

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2004-04-14

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 0203457412

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The ubiquitous nature of transport signs on roadways, railways, and in airports can lead to an overload of visual information, yet little research has been done to understand the design and use of such signs from a driver‘s perspective. The Human Factors of Transport Signs explores key transport sign research and examines new technologies

Safety and Environmental Design Considerations in the Use of Commercial Electronic Variable-message Signage
Safety and Environmental Design Considerations in the Use of Commercial Electronic Variable-message Signage

Author: Jerry Wachtel

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13:

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This study reviews existing reported research and experience regarding use of commercial electronic variable message signs (CEVMS), and evaluates research findings and methods in terms of implications for highway safety and environmental design. Aspects of CEVMS design and use that are capable of adversely affecting highway safety and/or environmental quality are identified and discussed in terms of the adequacy of existing research and experience to permit formulation of quantified standards for safe and environmentally compatible use. This report notes, with illustrations, the principal forms of variable message signage developed for official traffic control and informational use, and the major forms of variable message signage utilizing electronic processes or remote control for display of commercial advertising and public service information in roadside sites. Studies of highway safety aspects of outdoor advertising which are based on analysis of accident data are evaluated and reasons for apparent conflicts of their findings are discussed.

Development of Manuals for the Effective Use of Variable Message Signs. Final Report
Development of Manuals for the Effective Use of Variable Message Signs. Final Report

Author: John S. Miller

Publisher:

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 48

ISBN-13:

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A comprehensive research effort to develop operator's manuals for variable message signs (VMSs) was undertaken to improve the operations of both portable and permanent (fixed-site) VMSs in Virginia. This report describes the development of two manuals, the Permanent VMS Operator's Manual and the Portable VMS Operator's Manual which will be published separately. These manuals were based on information obtained from the literature, VMS operators, and motorists. Issues addressed by the manuals include when a VMS should be used, where a portable VMS should be placed, and the design of the VMS message. The manuals are not simply a list of pre-defined messages. They are a series of concise modules guiding the operator through the thought process required to use a VMS effectively. The operator follows a logical decision tree from module to module, to achieve the best placement and best message for a VMS. Effective VMS use actually requires a complex thought process, despite the apparent simplicity of the messages. The manuals include essential material about VMS operation. Based on theoretical calculations and motorists' experiences, it is strongly recommended that a VMS use no more than two message screens. A single message screen is preferred. VMSs should be used only to advise drivers of changed traffic conditions and convey specific traffic information concisely. Due to limited information capabilities, VMSs should be used in conjunction with other means of communication such as highway advisory radio and static signs. Most importantly, it is crucial that credibility be maintained. Incorrect information can have extreme consequences in terms of VMS effectiveness.