Evaluating Driver Response to an Advanced Speed Display near Uncontrolled Median Openings

Abstract

Uncontrolled median openings contribute to more road crashes because drivers do not obey traffic laws such as driving between lanes and following speed limits. This study examined the effectiveness of the different types of signs near an uncontrolled median opening in Mahmoud Abad, Iran. There were Signs 1 and 2 with a single message, while Signs 3 and 4 contained multi-messages. An Internet of Things (IoT) test system was developed to collect and record vehicle speed data before and after each sign installation. Results showed that speeding behavior decreased almost immediately after the road signs were installed and remained almost constant until the beginning of uncontrolled median openings. Moreover, multi-message traffic signs reduce vehicle speeds twice as much as single-message signs. Additionally, only multi-message signs are effective at reducing speed limit violations.