Title: An investigation into rear lighting arrangements for cars

Authors: A.G. Meatyard, M. Fowkes, J.G. Wall

Addresses: Motor Research Association, Ergonomics Department, Nuneaton, UK. ' Motor Research Association, Ergonomics Department, Nuneaton, UK. ' Transport and Road Research Laboratory, Human and Social Factors Division, Crowthorne, UK

Abstract: An account is presented of the first phase of an investigation into the optimum rear lighting arrangements for cars. The purpose of this investigation is to develop an arrangement to help minimise rear-end collisions, which form a considerable proportion of all road accidents. Laboratory trials carried out in daylight and in night-time conditions are described. These trials will evaluate subjects| responses to various layouts of presence lights, high-intensity rear lights, direction indicators and brake lights. The subject, seated in a stationary car, is required to respond by pressing the brake pedal when the onset of brake lights on a lighting rig placed in front of the car is detected. During the trials the subject performs a computer-generated secondary tracking task using the steering wheel and accelerator pedal to control a cursor following a moving target on a video monitor. Location, spacing and intensity of the various lights will be varied and the optimum layouts evaluated in a second-phase trial on the road.

Keywords: vehicle design; car lighting; rear-end collisions; road traffic accidents; rear lighting; vehicle safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1988.061518

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1988 Vol.9 No.4/5, pp.471 - 480

Published online: 26 May 2014 *

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