Traffic Control Device Evaluation Program: Simulator Evaluation of Sponsored Changeable Message Signs and In-Situ Evaluation of Rumble Strip Alternatives

This report describes two research activities. One research study tested the effects of adding commercial logos acknowledging sponsorship to Changeable Message Signs. A driving simulator study was conducted using test signs with travel times and safety message both with and without logos, while complying with the Texas Manuals on Uniform Traffic Control Devices guidance regarding overall message length and phase timing. Measures of performance included eye gaze duration and last look distance as well as driving performance measures of speed limit compliance and lane maintenance. Forty-two drivers in old and young age groups participated int he study. Another research study evaluated various rumble strip alternatives that have been used on various roadways in Texas. In this study, vehicles were instrumented with specialized equipment to measure the sound and vibration of various rumble strip alternatives. The vehicles were driven at various speeds during the testing. The primary measure of effectiveness was the change in vibration and sound from the control condition of driving in the lane.