The Effect of Pavement Markings on Driving Behavior in Curves: A Driving Simulator Study

This study investigates the effect of two pavement markings (i.e., transverse rumble strips (TRS) and a backward pointing herringbone pattern (HP)) on speed and lateral control in and nearby curves. Two real-world curves with strong indications of a safety problem were replicated as realistically as possible in the driving simulator. Thirty-five participants completed two 16.2 km test-drives within a randomized 2 (location: A, B) × 2 (direction: left, right) × 3 (condition: control, TRS, HP) within-subject design. Results show that both speed and lateral control differ between the two curves. These behavioral differences are probably due to curve-related dissimilarities with respect to geometric alignment, cross-sectional design and speed limit. TRS and HP both influenced speed but not lateral control. TRS generated an earlier and more stable speed reduction than HP. Additionally, at curve entry, speed was significantly lower for curves with TRS than for curves with HP. Based on these results, the authors recommend TRS rather than HP as a traffic calming measure near dangerous curves.