Track Test
Based on the results of simulation, a series of off-road tests will be conducted in Austria in order to assess the impact of road marklings on driver behaviour.
Experimental design of the track test
Participants will drive on a test track, containing several typical road characteristics, like left and right bends or a straight road. Drivers performance is investigated in three test conditions:
- Condition I: Baseline, no or existing (non-reflective) lane marking
- Condition II: Site equipped with marking material I (wet night visibility performance product)
- Condition III: Site equipped with marking material II (enhanced wet night visibility performance product)
Drivers take several runs through specifically chosen road sections, completing the track in 3 different night time driving situations: dry, wet and wet & rainy.
To ensure comparability with the results of the simulation studies, the sample of drivers will respect the same group categorisation.
| Age Group | 20-40 years | 41-60 years | 61 years and over | |||
| Male | Female | Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| n=90 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Driver comfort measurement
To determine the extent to which the different types of road markings have an impact on the driver, the test track will focus ont the driver comfort. This will be measured by the behaviour (lateral and longitudinal g-forces), speed choice and subjective stress levels (by using a questionnaire) of drivers.
The drives will be recorded with specifically instrumented vehicles, equipped with a tool which allows all relevant variables (pdrive system, see subsequent section) to be captured. Additionally, perceptual skills are tested in order to ensure homogenous test groups. Skills like reactivity, peripheral perception, tachystoscopic and visual structuring abilities are tested.
Descrpition of the Track
The test track will be approximately 600 metres long and is divided in several sections
There are 7 sections to be analysed and will be approached in both driving directions. Therefore, the different conditions of pavement marking on left and right bends as well as a straight can be analysed.
For testing condition II and III, the whole track will be moistened by sprinkler irrigation.
