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The effects of a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon on vehicle speed
Michelle VanWagner1, Ron Van Houten, Brian Betts
1Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, USA. m1vanwag@wmich.edu
Abstract:
In 2008, nearly 31% of vehicle fatalities were related to failure to adhere to safe vehicle speeds (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], 2009). The current study evaluated the effect of a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) triggered by excessive speed on vehicle speed using a combined alternating treatments and reversal design. The percentage of vehicles traveling above 41 mph (66 km per hour) decreased by 20%, and speed distributions showed a shift toward lower speeds during the RRFB condition.
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