Charlton, S.G., Alley, B.D., Baas, P.H. & Wigmore, B. (2001). Does haste make waste? The human factors of overtaking lane design. In L. Ashby & T. Bentley (Eds.), Proceedings of the Tenth Conference of the New Zealand Ergonomics Society, Rotorua, 26-27 July, 2001 (p.67-70). Palmerston North, New Zealand: New Zealand Ergonomics Society.
Abstract
The aim of this research was to improve overtaking safety and efficiency through improvements in road signage, markings, geometry and speed control associated with the placement and layout of passing lanes. The approach of the research was to explore the effects of several types of overtaking lane treatments in the safety and controlled environment of a state-of-the-art driving simulator. It was found that under the most benign conditions there were no differential effects of the three treatments. With poorer visibility or more taxing road geometry, the drivers relied more heavily on the road markings and signage and the effects of the treatments become more pronounced. The sensitivity to the more "challenging" situations was borne out by the greater speed differential between merge area sections at these sites.
Publisher
New Zealand Ergonomics Society
Rights
This article has been published in Proceedings of the Tenth Conference of the New Zealand Ergonomics Society, Rotorua, 26-27 July, 2001. Used with permission.
