An Investigation of Tactile and Visual Stimuli in the Roadway Environment

Abstract

208 motorists were observed at Florida International University, in Miami, Florida as part of a study of the influence of speed humps on motorists' behavior at pedestrian crossings. It was hypothesized that the presence of a speed hump will affect motorists' behavior by compelling them either to yield or stop at a pedestrian crossing to enable a pedestrian to cross safely. A between-subjects experimental design was employed to measure motorists' reactions. Analysis indicated that the relationship is strong between drivers' behavior and the presence or absence of this roadway stimulus. There was also evidence that female drivers may take more precautionary actions than male drivers. This information is useful for roadway designers and traffic psychologists.