2021 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages A_316-A_325
This study proposed speed adjustment delineators embedded in the center of the travel lane as a preliminary speed adjustment device for drivers who is operating a semi-automated vehicle to reduce conflicts with the merging vehicles on the expressway. We conducted experiments using a driving simulator with 46 participants, and the results of driving records and subjective evaluations showed that the information provided about speed adjustment delineators affected the driver’s avoidance behavior. The participants who were explained the intention of the speed adjustment delineators selected the appropriate speed adjustment to follow the instructions of the speed guide light at the upstream of the nose end in the merging section. This result led to merging behavior smoothly and reduced the subjective risk perceived by the drivers due to the merging vehicles. In addition, based on the acceleration and deceleration behavior of drivers when the speed guide lights were not turned on, the proper location of the speed adjustment delineators were revealed.