Perception/reaction time, as well as the ability to recognize, and to be able to obey, various “traffic control” devices, can be affected when you violate driver expectancy. Every traffic engineer, or human factors engineer, should have a good fundamental grasp of how various traffic control and design features will affect the transportation facility user. This includes the motorist as well as the pedestrian or commercial vehicle operator. And perhaps even more importantly, how will the lack of these devices affect the user. Unfortunately, very few have actually studied and researched these affects. As composers and researchers for national standards for traffic control and other features of the roadway, we have that expertise, and are frequently called on to use it in deposition and trial testimony. Our expertise in Human Factors allows us to provide Perception/reaction times, and our Membership in the ASTM Sub-committee (E17-21) that oversees wet weather friction testing for roadways and roadway coefficient of friction are often called on to more clearly define the analysis of accident reconstructionists without Human Factors expertise.

Violating Driver Expectency

Syracuse, New York – To Avoid Confusing Those That Are Colorblind, And Distracting Those That Aren’t - Lights Should Be Red on Top of Green

Traffic Control With Unusual Numbers Or Designs Can Cause Extended Reaction Times And Are Distracting