Title

Driver Response to a Dynamic Speed Feedback Sign at Speed Transition Zones along Rural Highways

Abstract

Research was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a dynamic speed feedback sign (DSFS) as a speed reduction strategy on high-speed rural highways transitioning into rural communities. A primary objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the DSFS across various speed limits, considering both the rural highway segment (e.g., 55 vs. 65 mph) and upon entry to the community (e.g., 35 vs. 40, vs. 45 mph). A before-and-after observational study was conducted at five speed transition zones on two-lane rural highways in northern Michigan to evaluate the effectiveness of DSFS on motorist speeds while traversing the speed transition zones. The DSFS consisted of a portable changeable message sign positioned on the shoulder in advance of the reduced speed limit zone. The sign was programmed to display the approaching vehicle's speed alternating with speed limit information. Vehicle speeds were continuously tracked using handheld LIDAR for a sample of vehicles approaching and entering the speed reduction zone at each location before and after installation of the DSFS. The results of this evaluation suggest that the DSFS had a significant effect on vehicle speeds throughout the speed transition zone. The DSFS had the greatest effect on speeds when vehicles reached the DSFS, where speeds were 3.2 to 7.8 mph lower, on average, with the DSFS present at the site. This speed reduction effect was sustained through the remainder of the transition zone, continuing to the speed limit sign posted at the entry to the reduced speed limit zone.

Presentation

Dr. Jashami's Presentation Slides

Speaker Bio

Dr. Hisham Jashami is a Research Assistant Professor of Transportation Engineering in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU). Prior to his appointment at OSU, Hisham worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), where he also taught the CE 495 Senior Design course. His research has been focused on topics related to transportation safety, human factors, driving & bicycling simulators, autonomous vehicle simulation, and data analysis. During the course of his academic career, Dr. Jashami has worked on externally funded research from agencies including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans), and various State Departments of Transportation, e.g., Oregon DOT, Michigan DOT. This research has led to the publication of more than 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports.

He received his Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy from Oregon State University with an emphasis in Transportation Engineering. Hisham also minored in statistics during his graduate studies at OSU.

Prior to his graduate studies at OSU, he accumulated 5 years of consulting engineering experience designing roadway and civil utility projects at a consulting firm based in Turkey. He started as a junior engineer, earned several promotions, and was ultimately appointed as a project manager. Dr. Jashami is also a certified Road Safety Professional Engineer.

Speaker Headshot

Hisham Jashami.JPG