Investigating the Effectiveness of Intelligent Lane Control Signals on Driver Behavior

A fully interactive PC-based STISIM driving simulator was used to test the effectiveness of Intelligent Lane Control Signals (ILCS). These ILCSs presented (1) 45-mph speed limit messages; (2) 35-mph speed limit messages; (3) a yellow lane closure warning; (4) one of three merge messages that used a diagonal arrow, or words, or dynamic chevrons to indicate that drivers should move from the center lane; (5) a red lane closure warning. Analysis of lane position data showed that the diagonal arrow merge sign was the most effective. Analysis of driving speed data indicated that the speed limit signs were effective.