Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree
Summer 2010
Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Degree In
Industrial Engineering
First Advisor
Lea-Der Chen
First Committee Member
Daniel V McGehee
Second Committee Member
Thomas Schnell
Third Committee Member
Michael Mackey
Abstract
A driving simulator study of perceptual countermeasures to speeding is described. Perceptual countermeasures (PC) manipulate the drivers' visual scene to help them moderate their driving speed without a conscious deliberation to do so. The use of synchronized warning lights in work zones as a PC is similar to "aero plane runway lights" flashing towards the diver. Based on the literature survey, this effect was postulated to make drivers think they were driving fast at lower vehicular speeds with lesser speed fluctuations. The effect did not achieve statistical significance in reducing mean speeds within work zones to match with the posted speed limit. A frequency domain analysis of driving speed fluctuation within work zones demonstrated that any form of flashing lights can have a pronounced effect on some individuals compared to static lights. The ramifications of using such perceptual countermeasures that are currently being implemented around the world is disused.
Keywords
Driving, Percetual countermeasure, Safety, Speed, Work zone
Pages
x, 79 pages
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 72-79).
Copyright
Copyright 2010 Sameer Ahmad Khan