Implementation of DOT Following-distance Pavement Markings in Thailand

Abstract

In Thailand there are more than 100,000 traffic accidents and traffic-related casualties of approximately 12,000 deaths per year. The aim of this research is to mitigate or reduce the severity and the number of road accidents, especially rear-end collisions. This research implemented the DOT tailgating treatment pavement markings to assist drivers in establishing the recommended following distance. The recommended following distance is derived from asymptotic stability condition of the GM 5th car-following model and calibrated with data collected on the national highway 1141, Thailand. The relationship between flow rates and distance headways were investigated before and after implementing the DOT treatment pavement markings. Distance headways are then used as a measure to examine the effectiveness of the markings. It is found that for a given flow rate distance headways increase after implementing the markings or the likelihood of rear-end collisions is reduced at the study site.