- Motorists make fewer errors when they encounter geometric features that are consistent with their expectations. Inconsistent designs or facility operations violate driver expectations. Expectations for downstream road segments are structured by upstream conditions. Design consistency reviews should evaluate several factors:
- Cross-section markings
- Guide signs and route markers
- Warning and regulatory signs
- Geometrics
- Sight distance
- Road type and surface
- Signals
- Lighting
- Land use
- Terrain
- Typical traffic conditions
- Typical weather
- If motorists encounter inconsistent road designs, their workloads increase and they are more likely to be uncertain about where to look for signs, appropriate speeds, and expected levels of illumination. This can lead to poorer performance and degrade safety.
CONTACT:
Chris VanDyke
Research Scientist | Program Manager
chrisvandyke@uky.edu
