A Macroscopic Analysis of the Effect of Toll Plaza Road Marking on Drivers' Merging Behavior: A Pre-Post Study in Odaka TB, Japan

Abstract

Controlling drivers’ lane choosing and merging behavior around toll plaza are a critical issue to reduce traffic accidents, and road markings that guide traffic lanes and toll gates are considered to be an effective means. However, the effectiveness of such measures has not yet been fully established. This study analyzed the impact of a “green line” on the road surface to encourage keeping to one's lane before toll plaza in a macroscopic view, by using data such as traffic detector data and toll plaza related data as well as accidents data. The usage rate of the left toll gates group, which had previously been underutilized, was improved and merging traffic rate before the toll plaza gradually decreased. This change was particularly noticeable during peak traffic hours. This study demonstrates that appropriate keep lane guidance can effectively streamline drivers' merging behavior, aiming for further accident reduction through additional measures.