Assessing the effectiveness of traffic control devices in deterring wrong-way driving by alcohol-impaired drivers: a...

This research paper analyzes the cognitive abilities of severely intoxicated drivers and evaluates the effectiveness of engineering countermeasures aimed at preventing wrong-way entry onto freeways through interchange exit ramps.

The study involved testing 30 male participants in a driving simulator featuring scenarios with various combinations of traditional and innovative wrong-way-related traffic control devices, such as signs and pavement markings. Each participant participated in three separate simulator sessions: an initial training session, a sober session, and an intoxicated session targeting a blood alcohol level of 0.12 g/dL, the highest level observed in previous studies due to safety concerns. The researchers recorded the number of wrong-way driving (WWD) incidents and tracked participants' gaze using eye-tracking devices.

Through descriptive and statistical analyses-such as t-tests and ANOVA-the study identifies which wrong-way warning methods are more effective, based on observed virtual driving behaviors, including the number of WWD incidents and fixation durations. The results indicated that the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) combination effectively reduces WWD incidents for both intoxicated and sober drivers. Additionally, given the slower information processing speed and altered gaze distribution of intoxicated drivers, it is crucial to implement traffic control devices (TCDs) that attract attention more effectively and are easier for intoxicated drivers to process, such as wrong-way signs with flashing borders and raised reflective pavement markers (RRPMs).

These findings offer valuable insights for designing effective countermeasures to improve freeway safety and reduce the risk of wrong-way entry incidents.