Citation

Mecheri S, Mars F, Lobjois R. Ergonomics 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2023.2226844

PMID

37323071

Abstract

Recent research indicates that installing shoulders on rural roads for safety purposes causes drivers to steer further inside on right bends and thus exceed lane boundaries. The present simulator study examined whether continuous rather than broken edge-line delineation would help drivers to keep their vehicles within the lane. The results indicated that continuous delineation significantly impacts the drivers' gaze and steering trajectories. Drivers looked more towards the lane centre and shifted their steering trajectories accordingly. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in lane-departure frequency when driving on a 3.50-m lane but not on a 2.75-m lane. Overall, the findings provide evidence that continuous delineation influences steering control by altering the visual processes underlying trajectory planning. It is concluded that continuous edge-line delineation between lanes and shoulders may induce safer driver behaviour on right bends, which has potential implications for preventing run-off-road crashes and cyclist safety.

Language: en

Keywords

Road markings; Steering control; Driving simulator; Bends; Gaze