PURPOSES : Aiming to evaluate the consistency of road markings at night, the luminance values of road markings at night were compared for merging and diverging areas.
METHODS : To evaluate the consistency of road marking at nighttime in merging and diverging areas, the highway geometric structures and luminance of the road markings were collected and analyzed together at the merging and diverging areas. "Luminance" in this study referred to the overall luminance of the road markings as reflected together from surrounding lights, such as moonlight or artificial lights. The luminance of the road markings 90 m ahead of the driver were used. The measured luminance values were analyzed based on the difference ratios and an analysis of variance.
RESULTS : Based on a grouping of three categories (interchanges (ICs), merging, and diverging areas), it was found that the difference ratios and analysis of variance values from the ICs and merging and diverging areas were not consistently acceptable.
CONCLUSIONS : After evaluating the consistency of road markings at night in the merging and diverging areas, it can be concluded that there is a need for more consistency in the luminance on merging and diverging areas on highways. To enhance consistency, more dedicated lighting guidance for merging and diverging areas on highway areas may be necessary.