The Refinement of Drivers' Visibility Needs During Wet Night Conditions

The Refinement of Drivers' Visibility Needs During Wet Night Conditions
Author: Ronald B. Gibbons
Publisher:
Total Pages: 61
Release: 2011
Genre: Road markings
ISBN:

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The purpose of this project was to develop a specification for the minimum retroreflectivity of pavement markings in wet nighttime conditions. In order to establish this specification, the performance of four retroreflective pavement marking materials in wet-night conditions was evaluated. The performance of the pavement markings was evaluated by driver participants under simulated rain conditions using a similar protocol to studies that have already been performed at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The performance of the markings was verified based on the participants' ability to detect the end points of the markings in both rainy and clear conditions. The conclusions from this investigation indicate the following: The materials developed over recent years show an improved performance over those tested previously. These materials provide adequate performance through improved technology and performance. The log-linear relationship found previously is functional for the data provided. Two models were developed. The model with no intercept provides a more constrictive boundary at low levels of retroreflectivity. A retroreflectivity value above 250 mcd/m2/lx provides limited return in terms of detection distance. A specification limit of 150 mcd/m2/lx will provide adequate visibility for 55 mph in dry conditions and 40 mph in wet conditions using standard dry retroreflectivity measurements, and 1 in/hr measurements for the wet conditions. This value should be the minimum maintained over the life of the marking. The retroreflectivity specification for a white and a yellow material should be equal. The rumble stripe showed a significant recovery time improvement over the other tested materials. This study recommends a minimum retroreflectivity of 150 mcd/m2/1x for white and yellow pavement markings in both dry and wet nighttime conditions. This level provides the Virginia Department of Transportation with the basis for establishing a performance-based specification for pavement markings.

Report No. FHWA-RD.

Report No. FHWA-RD.
Author: United States. Federal Highway Administration. Offices of Research and Development
Publisher:
Total Pages: 540
Release: 1978
Genre:
ISBN:

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Pavement Marking Visibility Requirements During Wet Night Conditions

Pavement Marking Visibility Requirements During Wet Night Conditions
Author: Ronald Bruce Gibbons
Publisher:
Total Pages: 72
Release: 2006
Genre: Automobile driving at night
ISBN:

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This study investigated the performance of pavement markings in wet night conditions. Typically, performance will decrease in wet conditions. The degradation is a result of flooding of the marking optics and a change in the optical media, thereby reducing retroreflectivity and the visibility distance. Several technologies are available to improve the visibility of markings under wet conditions. This study used four technologies and evaluated them in a dynamic situation. In the experiment, vehicles were driven by older participants and visibility was measured based on the detection distances of the beginning or ending of a continuous edge marking. The results indicate that a specifically designed wet retroreflective tape performed better than the currently used paint and glass bead technology. Paint with large glass beads and profiled thermoplastics also showed an improvement over the standard paint and glass bead technology. A relationship between retroreflectivity and the detection distance was found, which was used to postulate a minimum required value for visibility during wet night conditions. A value of 200 mcd/m2/lx appears to provide a reasonable detection distance for a minimum performance requirement.

Seeing in the Dark

Seeing in the Dark
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 2
Release: 2009
Genre: Automobile driving at night
ISBN:

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Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for 2003

Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for 2003
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations. Subcommittee on Dept. of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1836
Release: 2002
Genre: United States
ISBN:

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Public Roads

Public Roads
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2008
Genre: Highway research
ISBN:

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