Turner-Fairbank

Highway Research Center

https://highways.dot.gov/research

HUMAN FACTORS TEAM | biannual highlights

 

Exploring Human Behavior

Safety R&D Program

SUMMER 2023 - WINTER 2024 | VOLUME 18

Hot Off the Press

TRAVEL LANE

Current Research:

 Investigating Key Automated Vehicle (AV) Human Factors Safety 

Issues Related to Transportation System Management and Operations 

(TSMO), led by Michelle Arnold. 

» Merging Behavior When Driving in a Mixed Vehicle Fleet project has 

finished pilot testing. This simulator study aims to help transportation 

agencies assess the impact of mixed fleets on traffic safety and congestion 

at on-ramp merge points. 

 Investigating Key Automated Vehicle Human Factors Safety 

Issues Related to Infrastructure, led by Jesse Eisert.

» Lane Change Response to Infrastructure Warning About Lane Closure 

in a Mixed Vehicle Fleet project has finished pilot testing. This simulator 

study aims to help transportation agencies assess the impact of mixed 

fleets and connected infrastructure on traffic safety at lane closures. 

» Comparing Intersection Crossing Behavior of Human Drivers and 

Automated Vehicles Below and Above 10 mph (EZ Mile) project 

collected data using a novel CARMASM signal phase countdown timer 

prototype installed in a field research vehicle. The research team collected 

data on a public roadway in live traffic and developed a model to compare 

the behavior of human drivers with that of a low-speed automated shuttle 

traveling on the same public roads.

 Enhancing Vulnerable Road User (E-VRU) Detection and Volume Data 

Through Advanced Imaging Techniques project, led by Jesse Eisert, has 

completed daytime and nighttime data collection using light detection and 

ranging (LiDAR) and thermal infrared sensors to detect different vulnerable 

road user (VRU) types, including an articulating child pedestrian dummy, 

human pedestrian, electric scooter rider, bicyclist, and wheelchair user. The 

project will evaluate the ability of LiDAR sensors to detect VRUs and collect 

accurate count data. This research will also investigate LiDAR and infrared 

sensor fusion for detecting and counting VRUs and compare the outcomes 

against the abilities of systems that use only LiDAR and only thermal sensors.

 Traffic Control Device (TCD) Consortium Pooled Fund Study (PFS) 

(TPF-5(447), led by Laura Mero, has been very busy and continues to 

welcome new member States. Members approved the new charter 

and appointed a new chair at the September 2023 annual meeting in 

Albuquerque, NM. The project selection process was initiated. Problem 

statements for the potential new projects will be posted on the 

pooledfund.org web page for this PFS under documents.

» Evaluation of Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs project has 

completed all data collection and analysis. The technical brief is in 

Ahmed, A., S. Weaver, S. F. Chao, and L. Mero. 2023. 

Evaluation of Additional Alternatives of, and Arrow 

Sizes for, Overhead Arrow-Per-Lane Guide Signs. Report 

No. FHWA-HRT-23-036. Washington, DC: Federal 

Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/

sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-23-036.pdf, last 

accessed November 13, 2023. 

Dixon, K., R. Avelar-Moran, S. Mousavi, and 

A. Do. 2023. Developing Crash Modification 

Factors for Separated Bicycle Lanes. Report No. 

FHWA-HRT-23-025. Washington, DC: Federal 

Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/

research/publications/safety/FHWA-HRT-23-025, last 

accessed November 13, 2023. 

Dixon, K., R. Avelar-Moran, S. Mousavi, and 

A. Do. 2023. Developing Crash Modification 

Factors for Separated Bicycle Lanes. Report No. 

FHWA-HRT-23-078. Washington, DC: Federal 

Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/

research/publications/safety/FHWA-HRT-23-078, last 

accessed November 13, 2023.

Fitzpatrick, K., A. Do, R. Avelar, M. Pratt, and S. Das. 

2022. “Improving Pedestrian Safety at Signalized 

Intersections: Impacts of Corner Radius.” ITE Journal

92, no. 6:37–43. https://ite.ygsclicbook.com/pubs/

itejournal/2022/june-2022/live/?i=true#p=4, last 

accessed November 13, 2023. 

Fitzpatrick, K., S. E. Park, N. Johnson, and 

K. Falk. 2023. Driver Yielding with LED-Embedded 

Pedestrian- and School-Crossing Signs. Report 

No. FHWA-HRT-23-038. Washington, DC: Federal 

Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/

research/publications/safety/FHWA-HRT-23-038, last 

accessed November 13, 2023.

Katz, B., E. Kissner, E. Filler, S. Jackson, C. Vaughan, 

C. Cunningham, and J. Eisert. 2023. Evaluation of 

Lane Reduction and Late Merge Signing. Report 

No. FHWA-HRT-23-070. Washington, DC: Federal 

Highway Administration. https://highways.dot.gov/

research/publications/safety/FHWA-HRT-23-070, last 

accessed November 13, 2023. 

Parker, J., J. D. Lee, T. McDonald, P. Rau, and B. 

Philips. 2023. “Do Researchers Use the Levels of 

Automation Appropriately? How Automation Is 

Discussed in Research.” In Proceedings of the Human 

Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 

Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.

Weaver, S.W., S. Chao, M. Jannat, B. Philips. 2022. 

Preferred Following Distance as a Function of Speed—

Function-Specific Automation (Level 1) Applications. 

Report No. FHWA-HRT-22-107. Washington, DC: 

Federal Highway Administration. https://highways.

dot.gov/research/publications/safety/FHWAHRT-22-107, last accessed November 13, 2023. 
biannual highlights

https://highways.dot.gov/research

FAST LANE

TRAVEL LANE (continued)

development and will be published in 2024. The 

objective of this project is to evaluate and produce 

uniform recommendations to designers for advisory 

exit and ramp speed warning signs, including the basis 

for speed designation, use of “exit” versus “ramp,” effects 

of sign placement, and optimization of sign sequence.

» Pedestrian Signing at Uncontrolled Crossings

project began collecting field data after completing 

computer-based testing data collection and analysis. 

The goal of the study is to use human factors 

experiments to test various pedestrian signing options 

at uncontrolled crossings to determine signs with high 

comprehension and that lead to driver yielding. 

» Comprehension and Legibility of Selected Symbol 

Signs Phase V project began in September 2023. The 

objective of this research is to evaluate the possibility 

of creating a symbol where one does not exist and 

review legibility and comprehension for new and 

existing symbol- and text-based signs and related 

plaques, as appropriate, to determine the sign that is 

best understood and most effective at conveying the 

intended meaning.

 Ensuring Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) 

Vulnerable Road Users Safety Through Infrastructure: 

Phase 2 project, led by Jesse Eisert, began data 

collection in the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research 

Center Virtual Reality (VR) Laboratory. This project 

examines infrastructure-based solutions for VRU 

interactions with CDA-equipped vehicles using VR.

 Exploring Potential Contributors to Racial and 

Socioeconomic Disparities in Pedestrian and 

Bicyclist Morbidity and Mortality project, led by 

Jesse Eisert, has successfully convened a subject matter 

expert panel to provide input, recommendations, 

and feedback throughout this project. The research 

team has completed the first draft of the literature 

review and provided feedback. Additionally, the 

case studies for this project have been selected 

and are being further explored and developed.

 Evaluation of Crosswalks with Surface Treatments 

Phase II project, led by Laura Mero, began in 

September 2023. The objectives of the project are 

to determine if crosswalks with surface treatments 

affect road user (drivers and pedestrians, including 

those with visual impairments) behavior compared 

to standard crosswalk markings and what conditions 

and aspects of the crosswalks with surface treatments 

impact road user behavior. This project will take place 

in the field and is in the early planning stages. This 

project is a follow up to Evaluation of Aesthetically 

Treated Crosswalks, which shared the same objectives 

and took place in closed course environments.

 Investigating Nighttime Pedestrian Safety and 

Conspicuity Using Bollard Lighting project, led by 

Michelle Arnold, began in September 2023. This study 

is examining the feasibility of a bollard-based lighting 

system to provide enhanced visibility for pedestrians in 

crosswalks as a viable safety strategy for nighttime use.

 Development of a Virtual Reality Bicycle Simulator

study, led by Jesse Eisert, began in September 2023. This 

project will develop a VR bicycle capable of conducting 

human factors research along with training materials 

for using and developing scenarios for the VR bicycle.

Figure 1. Photo. Weather study data collection shows 

participant and lead vehicle driving on the test track.

Source: FHWA.
https://highways.dot.gov/research

biannual highlights

FAST LANE

Figure 2. Photo. Truck platooning study data collection and 

truck platooning simulation.

Source: FHWA.

MILEPOSTS

Recent activity 

 The Human Factors Issues Related to Truck Platooning

task order, led by Michelle Arnold, was completed in 

July 2023. The technical brief summarizing the driving 

simulator studies and the final technical report compiling 

all the project studies are expected to be published by 

Spring 2024. The results can help develop guidance and 

recommendations for signing and operations of partially 

automated truck platoons in mixed-fleet environments on 

public highways.

 Evaluation of Lane Reduction and Late Merge Signing

project, led by Jesse Eisert, was completed in July 2023, as 

part of the TCD PFS (FHWA-HRT-23-070). The technical brief 

summarizing the laboratory and field studies is available 

online. The results showed the sign series studied in the 

field increased the primary measure of right lane use.

 A Systematic Approach of Selecting Changeable 

Message Sign (CMS) Messaging During Nonrecurring 

Events project, led by Michelle Arnold, was completed in 

March 2023. The research team completed data collection, 

a technical report, and a guidebook, which are in the 

FHWA publication process. The project’s purpose is to 

determine how CMS messages impact travel behavior 

during nonrecurring events. 

 Evaluation of Arrow Sizes for Overhead Arrow Per 

Lane (OAPL) Guide Signs (FHWA-HRT-23-036), led by 

Laura Mero, was completed in March 2023. The published 

final report is published and publicly available. This 

project examines partial-width OAPL sign designs and 

arrow sizes and the effects these characteristics have on 

driver comprehension. 

THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking forward

 Investigating Key Automated Vehicle (AV) Human 

Factors Safety Issues Related to Transportation 

System Management and Operations (TSMO), 

is led by Michelle Arnold.

» Effects of Work Zone Infrastructure on the Transition 

to Manual Driving project is almost complete. The 

final technical report is expected to be published in 

summer 2024. This field study assesses the potential for 

work zone infrastructure to safely assist in transitioning 

vehicle control from an automated system to a human 

driver in advance of work zones.

» Response to Emergency Vehicles When Driving in 

a Mixed Vehicle Fleet project is almost complete. 

The final technical report is expected to be published 

in spring 2024. This study evaluates the potential for 

cooperative technology and vehicle automation to 

influence driver’s response to emergency vehicles. 

» Impact of Rainy Weather Condition on Driving 

Automated Driving System (ADS)-Equipped Vehicle 

in Mixed Vehicle Fleet project is almost complete. 

The final technical report is expected to be published 

in spring 2024. This field study evaluates the effects of 

adverse weather on drivers using an ADS-equipped 

vehicle on an offsite track modified to simulate rain. 

 Investigating Key Automated Vehicle (AV) Human 

Factors Safety Issues Related to Infrastructure,

is led by Jesse Eisert.

» Driver Interaction With Partial Driving Automation 

Technology When Passing Bicyclists in a Shared Use 

Lane project is under internal review. This study explores 

the impact of vehicle automation on drivers’ interactions 

with bicyclists in both shared and dedicated lanes. 

» Exploring the Effects of Automated Driving 

Systems and Cooperative Messaging on Mixed 

Fleet Eco-Drive Interactions project final technical 

report for the field study is under internal review. This 

study investigated driver’s reactions to following an 

automated vehicle practicing eco-driving patterns in a 

signalized intersection.
biannual highlights

FAST LANE

https://highways.dot.gov/research

 Developing Crash Modification Factors for Separated 

Bicycle Lanes (FHWA-HRT-23-078), led by Ann Do, was 

completed in September 2023. The published final 

report is publicly available. This project investigates 

how conversions of a traditional bicycle lane to a 

separated bicycle lane influence the safety performance 

of the roadway.

MILEPOSTS (continued)

HUMAN FACTORS 

LABORATORY TOURS

The Human Factors team hosted several tours throughout 

the year, including:

 Department of Transportation Executives (Deputy 

Secretary Trottenberg, Administrator Bhatt, and FHWA 

Executive Director Shepherd).

 FHWA Office of Administration.

 White House Leadership.

 National Transportation Safety Board.

 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of 

Human Resources.

 FHWA Research Division Coordinators and the National 

Cooperative Highway Research Program. 

Figure 4. Photo. Comparing intersection crossing behavior 

of human drivers and AVs below and above 10 mph, data 

collection featuring the in-vehicle signal phase countdown 

timer during the dilemma zone.

Figure 3. Photo. Tour with DOT Executives (Deputy Secretary Trottenberg, Administrator Bhatt, and FHWA Executive Director Shepherd).

Source: FHWA. Source: FHWA.
biannual highlights

FAST LANE

CONFERENCES

Conferences Attended

 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual 

Meeting, January 8–12, 2023. Washington, DC.

 Intelligent Transportation Systems of America 

Conference and Expo, April 24–27, 2023. Grapevine, TX. 

“Infrastructure Safety Deployments of Connected Vehicle 

Technologies.” Presentation.

 American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials Committee on Traffic 

Engineering Meeting, June 25-28, 2023. Tacoma, WA.

 National Committee on Uniform TCDs Summer 

Meeting, June 28–30, 2023. Tacoma, WA. 

 TRB Automated Road Transportation Symposia, 

July 9–13, 2023. San Francisco, CA. (Effects of Signing and 

Characteristics of Partially Automated Truck Platooning 

on Light-Vehicle Driver Behavior). Poster.

 Institute of Transportation Engineers International 

Annual Meeting and Expo, August 13–26, 2023. 

Portland, OR. (Trust in Automation and Cooperative 

Messaging: Interacting with Economical Driving). Poster.

 Human Factors and Ergonomic Society 67th 

International Annual Meeting, October 23–27, 2023. 

Washington, DC.

» (Study on Cooperative Driving Automation Messaging 

Designs). Poster.

» “Driving Automation and VRUs: Peanut Butter and Jelly 

or Oil and Water?” Panel.

» (Do Researchers Use the Levels of Automation 

Appropriately? How Automation Is Discussed in 

Research). Poster.

Upcoming Conferences

 TRB Annual Meeting, January 7–11, 2024. 

Washington, DC.

» (Drivers’ Mobile Usage of Information and 

Communication Technologies in 2020 and 2023). Poster.

» Standing Committee on Human Factors of 

Infrastructure Design and Operations (ACH40); Human 

Factors of Infrastructure Design and Operations. Project 

updates on VRU safety.

» (Effects of Signing and Characteristics of Partially 

Automated Truck Platooning on Light-Vehicle Driver 

Behavior). Poster.

 National Committee on Uniform TCDs Annual Meeting, 

January 10–12, 2024. Arlington, VA.

 Intelligent Transportation Systems of America 

Conference and Expo, April 22–25, 2024. Phoenix, AZ.

FHWA-HRT-24-040

HRSO-30/12-23(WEB)E

Recommended citation: Federal Highway Administration, 

Human Factors Team Biannual Highlights—Summer 2023 – Winter 2024 

(Washington, DC: 2023) https://doi.org/10.21949/1521474

Brian Philips, Human Factors Team Leader,

brian.philips@dot.gov, 202-493-3468.

Michelle Arnold, michelle.arnold@dot.gov, 202-493-3990.

Douglas Cobb, douglas.cobb@dot.gov, 202-493-3405.

Ann Do, ann.do@dot.gov, 202-493-3319.

Jesse Eisert, jesse.eisert@dot.gov, 202-493-3284.

Laura Mero, laura.mero@dot.gov, 202-493-3377.

Leidos, Human Factors onsite support.

Syntek Technologies, Highway Driving 

Simulator onsite support.

Meet the Team

Source: FHWA.

Figure 5. Photo. Tour with the National Transportation Safety Board.