- Designers must identify areas throughout curves where motorists have high workloads. This knowledge is useful for selecting design features that make driving tasks easer (e.g., clearer road delineation, wider lanes, longer radius) or where visual distractions should be eliminated. Some rules of thumb are listed below.
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- Minimize visual workloads upstream of and throughout curves. Sharp curves (> 9 degrees) are more demanding than gentler curves.
- Do not install signs that require reading or interpretation (a) 250 – 330 ft upstream of curve or (b) within a curve.
- Ensure navigational cues (e.g., lane markings, delineators) are clear to a motorist’s peripheral vision, particularly at night.
- Minimize visually distracting objects or features (e.g., prominent signs or advertisements, vegetation).
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- The full HFG entry (linked in the title) provides a detailed task breakdown of activities motorists perform when navigating curves.
CONTACT:
Chris VanDyke
Research Scientist | Program Manager
chrisvandyke@uky.edu
