Traffic management: Assessing various countermeasures to improve detection failure of changes in speed limit signals. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harms, Ilse M.; Brookhuis, Karel A.
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 61(2017)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Change blindness -- Variable speed limit -- Flasher; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Under certain circumstances, drivers fail to notice changes in electronic speed limits. A video-based study was performed to reveal which countermeasures would improve drivers' ability to detect changes in electronic speed limits. Countermeasures included leaving electronic signs blank prior to a speed limit change and adding motion signals by means of flashing amber lights or a wave. A video representing a motorway was shown repeatedly to 255 participants. They were instructed to press the space bar when detecting a change. The video was viewed 13 times before the speed limit changed. Results showed that leaving signs blank prior to the change instead of displaying speed limits continuously did not alter change detection, whereas flashers and waves eroded detection of the changed speed limit. This suggests that using flashers and waves to attract attention to electronic signs in fact decreases people's ability to process the information contained in the signs. Highlights: Flashers eroded the detection of changes in electronic speed limits. Leaving speed signs blank prior to a change aided response time but hindered recall. Expecting a driving-related change did not result in 100% detection at all times.