Evaluating the Impact of Sight Distance and Geometric Alignment on Driver Performance in Freeway Exits Diverging Area Based on Simulated Driving Data

Xizhen Zhou, Binghong Pan and Yang Shao
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Xizhen Zhou: Highway School, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Binghong Pan: Highway School, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Yang Shao: School of Modern Posts (Logistics School) & Institute of Posts, Xi’an University of Posts & Telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: The decision sight distance (DSD) at freeway exits is a major factor affecting traffic safety. Based on the Hechizhai Interchange in Xi’an City (Shaanxi Province, China), this paper designs a simulation experiment. Through a simulator study and a questionnaire survey, this paper discusses the impact of the DSD, 1.25 times the stopping sight distance (SSD) and a circular curve deflection on a driver’s driving state (including steering wheel angle rate and steering wheel angle frequency domain). Thirty volunteers participated in this research. The result shows that (1) it is safer to drive on an exit that meets DSD. (2) If it only meets the 1.25 times the SSD requirement, the overloaded driving tasks and operation would be more likely to cause crashes. The driving state of the driver on the right circular curve is obviously better than that on the left circular curve, because changing lanes to the right on the left circular curve does not meet the driver’s expectations. (3) Left and right circular curve should be treated differently in the driving area and the constant sight distance requirements should not be applied. (4) The left circular curve should be more stringent to ensure driving safety.

Keywords: freeway; diverging area; freeway design; sight distance; driving safety (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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