Exploring the safety effect of traffic guidance sign alignment at expressway hybrid toll plazas

Abstract

With the rapid growth in automobile ownership and thus highway usage demand, toll plaza congestion has become a major issue that limits the efficiency of expressway traffic. To optimize signage facilities and improve the performance and safety of toll plaza operations, the mechanisms that influence driver behaviors in expressway toll plaza areas were analyzed through simulation experiments in this paper. The simulations replicated the lane configuration and signage layout of the Jinan Ganggou Toll Plaza and Jinan North Toll Plaza in China. Four experimental scenarios and four signage schemes were designed and evaluated under 16 Experimental Designs per driver, culminating in a total of 100 samples. During the simulations, vehicle driving state parameters were collected, and multivariate analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation were used to examine the effects of different factors, including vehicle type, queue length at toll lanes, and signage schemes, on driver behavior in the toll plaza area. Finally, an in-depth analysis was conducted on subjective questionnaire data provided by drivers to assess thoroughly the mechanisms behind driving behavior and the integration of traffic guidance signage schemes in toll plazas. Results indicate that through driving simulation and driver questionnaires, the experimental variables of vehicle type and queue length significantly affect lateral offset, vehicle operating speed, and maximum deceleration. Furthermore, signage scheme 4 provides effective guidance to drivers, improves traffic efficiency, alleviates congestion in toll lanes, enhances toll lane utilization, and offers higher levels of safety and comfort.