Citation

Schreuder DA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1978; 681: 43-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

The relation between the technical requirements for road-traffic lighting (geometry and photometry) and the functions of safety, speed, comfort, and cost is examined. Emphasis is placed on safety considerations. The "chain" between cost and effectiveness (i.e., transportation performance or accident reduction) is broken down into its elements. Each element can be studied separately, and the chain can be followed from both sides--supply and demand. On the supply side, cost leads to the conspicuity level provided; on the demand side, accident reduction leads to the conspicuity level required. Future recommendations must ensure that the level provided always exceeds the level required. The functional approach presented here promises results. It contrasts with the traditional approach, which considers only the visibility for standard tasks defined a priori--tasks that have no demonstrable relation to the driving task in real traffic situations. It is concluded that further detailed research is required.