Using Lighting to Alter Driver Behavior
In locations where an appropriate lighting system is used to impart information to drivers,
the impressions of lane width and speed change can be conveyed. In response to these
impressions, drivers may either maintain their speed or slow down, depending on the
impression imparted (i.e., apparent lane narrowing or speed increase may cause drivers to
slow down and apparent lane widening or speed decrease may cause drivers to maintain
speed). These positive changes in the drivers behavior can increase the safety of traffic
operations and improve traffic flow. Causing drivers to reduce speed when appropriate
(such as on ramps) may increase safety by reducing the number of incidents and the
residual delays they cause. Encouraging drivers to maintain speed, at appropriate times
of the day, may reduce chronic congestion in areas prone to traffic back-ups.
