EFFECT OF MOTORCYCLISTS' HIGH VISIBILITY AIDS ON DRIVER GAP ACCEPTANCE

A series of trials were conducted at a large roundabout to investigate the effect of high-visibility motorcycle aids on driver gap acceptance behaviour. Three conditions - control, dipped headlight and the use of a fluorescent jacket - were used. The experimental motorcycle followed a lead car around the roundabout over a period of four days, making over 900 passes across each of two entrance roads. The motorcyclist was able to vary and control the gap between himself and the lead car. Gaps ranging from approximately 1.5 to 5.0 seconds were studied. The experiment was recorded on video-tape which was subsequently analysed at one-fifth normal speed. Data analysis was by probit analysis and showed that there was no significant change in the behaviour of drivers towards the three options. /Author/TRRL/