Creating Effective Graphic Changeable Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) Messaging

Effective safety message campaigns greatly depend on travelers’ comprehension of the safety messages. Text-based message campaigns may result in reduced comprehension from specific population groups, such as non-native English speakers or slow-reading populations (e.g., older adults). Graphic messages can enhance the effectiveness of safety message campaigns and incident messaging. Current literature reviews have focused on use of graphical shields and highway signs as part of messaging. The research team proposes that for the same reason, graphical signs are used to increase understanding of non-native English speaking or slow-reading populations. The goal of this project is to determine whether graphics can be used to enhance comprehension and effectiveness of safety message campaigns, especially for non-native English speaking and slow reading populations. Use of KU driving simulator to identify effective messaging policy regarding use of graphics is essential to using this capability.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $85000
• Contract Numbers:

  K-TRAN: KU-24-3

  RE-0881-01

  C2230

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Kansas Department of Transportation

  Eisenhower State Office Building
  700 SW Harrison Street
  Topeka, KS  United States  66603-3754
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Kansas Center for Research, Incorporated

  2291 Irving Hill Drive, Campus West
  Lawrence, KS  United States  66045
• Principal Investigators:

  Kondyli, Alexandra

• Start Date: 20230701
• Expected Completion Date: 20241130
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Comprehension; Drivers; Driving simulators; Graphics; Safety campaigns; Variable message signs
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01894699
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Kansas Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: K-TRAN: KU-24-3, RE-0881-01, C2230
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 26 2023 5:11PM